Is the Skechers ad featuring Doja Cat violent?

Ashley Regan
By Ashley Regan | 29 September 2023
 
Doja Cat ad via Ad Standards.

Ad Standards has dismissed a complaint against the television ad for shoe company Skechers featuring signer Doja Cat.

The ad shows the musician fighting against herself in an arcade style fight scene.

The complaint submitted to Ad Standards raised concerns around youth violence.

"With the current level of youth crime and violence in our communities, I don't believe it is wise to be portraying violence as a norm," the complaint said.

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The mother company of Skechers, Accent Group Limited, defended the ad because the "fighting" is stylised.

"We are of the view that the advertisement does not feature violence. The advertisement is intended to be a metaphor for a 'fight' between different sides of oneself," a spokesperson from the clothing company said.

"This 'fight' is shown in a stylised, video game/ anime style referencing several different cultural art forms rather than focussing on a depiction of violence.

"This is reinforced by the fact that the advertisement does not show the consequences of violence such as blood or injury and rather displays the 'fight' in a stylised, magical manner."

The Ad Standards Panel found the style of the ad was similar to fighting video games and comic books.

"The panel considered that there was no blood or gore in the advertisement, and the depictions of harm were consistent with cartoon-style violence (aggressor floating in the air, impact flash, freeze frame on impact, no signs of injury)," the panel said.

"The panel considered that the overall theme and feel of the advertisement was lighthearted and humorous.

"The panel considered that the advertisement would be unlikely to cause alarm or distress to anyone who may view the advertisement, including young children."

Overall the panel determined that the very low level of stylised violence in the advertisement would be justifiable in advertising any product and does not breach any section of the Code of Ethics.

 

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