Stunt by OnlyFans model most complained about ad in the country
Here's what's got Aussies so riled up they felt compelled to complain.
A billboard promoting the services of an Aussie sex worker and OnlyFans model has been crowned the country's "most complained about ad".
Australia's advertising watchdog Ad Standards received over 3,500 complaints throughout this year, and investigated more than 250 ads they said "raised issues under industry codes".
Of the top five, the majority either alluded to or contained sexual references, with fast-food chains, confectionary companies and sex toys among the finalists — though, all complaints were dismissed.
Taking out the top spot was a billboard installed in Perth in Western Australia, advertising OnlyFans model Savannah's X-rated content — who is known professionally as West Coast Savage — which attracted a total of 350 complaints.
OnlyFans model takes top spot on 'most complained about ads' list
The billboard in question shows the model posing in a bikini, accompanied by a QR code directing viewers to her OnlyFans and Instagram accounts.
Despite the use of sexual imagery going hand in hand with marketing campaigns for decades, the advertisement left many residents outraged with some branding it inappropriate. Critics said at the time it made sexual content too easily accessible for impressionable adolescents.
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When the ad first made headlines back in April, Savannah defended her billboard, arguing that it's up to parents, not advertisers, to regulate what their children are accessing online.
"I have the freedom of speech and of my own body to do what I do, and to put up this billboard, and people have the freedom to then turn around and say, 'well, I find that offensive'."
Chicken, chewing gum, video games also make list
Meanwhile, Red Rooster came in at second place, attracting 214 complaints, for an ad promoting Red Rooster’s Hot Honey fried chicken which showed a skateboarder stealing chicken from others. Critics argued that it promoted theft.
In third place, attracting 126 complaints, was an ad about Wrigley's chewing gum, which depicted two women kissing in a car. In fourth place came an ad for LoveHoney, a sex toy company for women, which attracted 99 complaints.
And in fifth place was an advertisement for the Diablo IV video game, that featured a picture of a demon and the phrase “welcome to hell”. A total of 44 complaints were received about the ad.
"Australia's advertising rules are designed to ensure that every ad is a responsible ad, and that all ads align with community standards,” Richard Bean, executive director at Ad Standards, said.
“If anyone thinks that an ad has crossed the line, they should lodge a complaint with Ad Standards. We accept complaints about ads on any medium and a single complaint is all it takes to initiate an investigation."
Yahoo News attempted to contact OnlyFans model Savannah for comment.
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