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Dakota Fanning’s Marc Jacobs Ad Banned for Being Too Racy

11/09/2011 at 12:00 PM ET

Dakota Fanning Oh, Lola
Courtesy Marc Jacobs

Dakota Fanning‘s latest role has received a big thumbs-down in the U.K.

The actress’s recent magazine ad for Marc Jacobs’s Oh, Lola! perfume is too suggestive, Britain’s advertising watchdog has ruled, and must be pulled immediately, the BBC reports.

The ad in question shows the 17-year-old American actress in a thigh-length dotted dress with an oversize flower-topped bottle of Oh, Lola! resting between her legs.

The U.K.’s Ad Standards Authority determined that “the length of her dress, her leg and position of the perfume bottle drew attention to her sexuality. Because of that, along with her appearance, we considered the ad could be seen to sexualize a child.”

The ASA ruled that the ad was irresponsible, likely to cause “serious offense,” and must not appear again.

Coty UK, the maker of the perfume, had argued that the image was “provoking but not indecent.” On Tuesday, Marc Jacobs released a statement, calling the banning “unfortunate.” He wrote:

“It was our pleasure to work with Dakota Fanning for the Oh, Lola! campaign. She is a smart, pretty, interesting, talented young woman and we would never have suggested an advertising concept that we thought was inappropriate. I believe she is also very thoughtful about the projects she takes on and would not have done something that she felt was in questionable taste. It’s really unfortunate that people have taken anything negative from what we believe is a really good campaign and one that so perfectly embodies the fragrance.” Tell us: Do you think Fanning’s ad is too racy for print?

–Tim Nudd

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Showing 339 comments

kaye d on

hmmm…I can see they “flower” reference immediately. The vase “between” her legs, vs. resting “on” her thigh….yeah. It’s def a sexual message. For them to say it’s not, they’re full of ________. It is what it is, but the UK guidelines are far most stringent than here in the US. So, yes, it’s provacative by their standards. Let’s all move on.

aliyahrg on

I think it’s a little suggestive for a 17 year old. It brings to mind “deflowering” her, as a sign of her virginity.

kaye d on

“THE”, not “they”. Typo.

e on

I thought the ruling was nuts when I first read this, but upon reflection, I applaud the decision to be conservative when dealing with a minor. Had it been a woman over 18, fine … it’s not that racy. No harm in being extra cautious with those under 18.

Elizabeth Hertlein on

I agree no one says anything about half naked posters in in time square so please move on with your life besides it smells as good as this poster looks amazing

J Scott on

The perfume is called “Oh Lola” and it is held between her legs , she is only 17- a child and that is NOT appropriate.

tvlnana on

It’s for a commercial and I get that, but she is also exactly the same age as my granddaughter and looking at it in that respect I wouldn’t approve. So i guess “color me old fashioned”…I would prefer a more innocent ad campaign.

Marcia Tracy on

Not racy at all. They won’t allow that, but Calvin Klien (with half naked models)ads can be run? REALLY??!?!

Tatajana on

I think were over using racy. I don’t see anything wrong unless your mind is living in gutter.

JenLaw on

It is sexualizing children and it’s wrong. Dress her as a woman and put the bottle elsewhere, and we’re all good. Otherwise it borders on kiddy porn.

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