TfL sparks outrage over ‘tacky’ ‘shot in the face’ ski poster on London tubes as Caroline Nokes MP demands Mayor Sadiq Khan remove ‘awful’ advert
An advert on the London Underground asking readers if they like ‘headshots’ has sparked outrage and has been called ‘appalling’ by a Tory MP.
The poster purports to advertise a ski instructor service offering guides who know the ‘best face shots on the mountain’.
The top half of the poster has ‘face photo’ in large, bold letters and a description of the phrase below: ‘The effect of fresh snow splashing across the face when skiing in deep snow.’
However, Romsey & Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes tweeted that “we all know what the other reference is…”
Tfl has previously faced backlash over other posters that have appeared on tubes, such as those promoting going to Turkey for cosmetic surgery or warning against staring at people.
The controversial poster purports to advertise a ski instructor service that offers guides who know the “best face shots on the mountain.”
Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes called the announcement “awful” and said “we all know what the other reference is…”
Ms Nokes said: “Horrible ad on the @MayorofLondon @TfL tube – we shouldn’t have to put up with references like this on the transport network, kids see it every day.”
In response to his tweet, people described the ad as “rude” and in “exceptionally poor taste.”
Although others defended the poster saying that the term is ‘Something real! Although niche’.
One person said: ‘Think you’re trying to make something out of nothing. There’s a slight cheeky nod if you know that (kids wouldn’t), but it’s hardly “awful.” OTT reaction.’
Other tube advertisements have previously caused controversy, Transport for London was previously accused of advertising the proceedings of ‘Turkey Teeth’ in an “unethical” manner.
TfL, under the control of the Mayor of London, ran ads for the Istanbul-based dental clinic Dentakay, which offers the ‘Hollywood Smile’ treatment.
The controversial dental procedure, popularized by stars including Love Island’s Katie Price and Jack Fincham, involves filing down natural teeth into pins and then replacing them with crowns or veneers.
Debate has erupted over the implications of encouraging cosmetic surgery, especially one that many Britons say left them in pain and suffering from complications after undergoing treatment abroad.
Transport for London, under the control of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, was criticized by UK dentists for running ads urging Britons to travel abroad for cosmetic dental treatment.
The poster (pictured) appeared on the London Underground after TfL launched its campaign against sexual harassment.
While the ads aimed at reducing the harassment of women on public transport also angered many people, whether staring on the subway or on the bus should be a crime.
The initiative put up signs on trains reading: ‘Intrusive staring of a sexual nature is sexual harassment and is not tolerated.’
Many felt the campaign was positive, highlighting how uncomfortable it can be to stare aggressively on public transport.
While others felt that staring was not an issue, there are more serious issues that could be addressed.
In October, thousands of cannabis advertisements with a discount code were ‘posted’ in the underground.
Dispenseroo, a cannabis delivery service branded similarly to Deliveroo, was ‘posting’ on the subway network, having illegally placed 2,500 paper advertisements for its railcar services.