Boohoo has been ordered by the advertising watchdog to take down images branded as “sexually suggestive”.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received a complaint that the images shown on the advert put out by the Manchester-based fast fashion brand of a model in an oversized T-shirt and thong-style bikini bottoms were objectifying women, and so ruled them as “offensive, harmful, and irresponsible”.
The advert included a rear view that showed the model kneeling, as well as an upper-body shot that showed the model lifting the T-shirt and exposing skin on her stomach and side.
It was decided by the ASA that the advert must not appear again in its current form.
The advertising watchdog said that while the advert was presented as part of the swimwear category, the actual advertised product was the T-shirt and the listing on the website appeared as a result of searches for T-shirts or tops.
The ASA said that in each case the staging of the shots was “sexually suggestive”, with the model shown with the T-shirt folded in ways to expose her body, instead of focusing on the product.
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“We concluded that the ad objectified and sexualised women. It was therefore irresponsible and likely to cause serious offence,” the ASA said in its ruling.
The ASA ruled the advert as “offensive, harmful, and irresponsible” / Credit: ASA
Speaking on the ASA’s ruling, a spokesperson for Boohoo Group said: “We are disappointed by the findings of this ruling because we pride ourselves in our inclusive, body positive imagery [and] our marketing reflects the vibrant and confident culture of our brand, and is not designed to intentionally cause offence.
“We removed the associated images from our website when we received details of the complaint from the ASA.”
This is not the first time Boohoo has had an advert banned by the ASA either, as back in 2019, an email promotion by the brand used the phrase “send nudes” was sent out in a message to customers marketing a range of clothes coloured to resemble skin, and pictured a female model wearing a white dress and beige jacket with the words “Send nudes. Set the tone with new season hues” written across the image.
The ASA said the phrase “send nudes” was likely to be understood as referring to requests for sexual photos, and ruled it irresponsible to make light of a “potentially harmful social trend”.
Featured Image – Boohoo / ASA
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Simon Rimmer shuts final Greater Manchester branch of beloved Greens restaurant
Daisy Jackson
Simon Rimmer’s much-loved Greens restaurant is no more, as the final branch announces its immediate closure.
The vegetarian restaurant launched in Didsbury way back in 1990, but confirmed its shock closure at the start of its year.
The newer Greens restaurant in Sale had remained open for business – until today.
In a statement share online, the restaurant said the business has become ‘untenable’.
The statement, which was shared with a simple broken heart emoji, added that the team have ‘done everything possible’ to stay afloat.
Greens hasn’t shared as much detail about its Sale closure.
Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Sale has announced its immediate closure. Credit: The Manc Group
They wrote: “It is with deep regret that the board of directors and shareholders have decided to close the doors permanently on Greens Sale with immediate effect.
“We’ve done everything possible to make this work, but it is now clear the business is untenable.
“We’d like to thank everyone, team members & guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us.”
It’s another blow to the Manchester’s famous vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene, which has lost the likes of Wholesome Junkies, Vurger Co, and V Rev all shutting down in the last couple of years.
Wholesome Junkies shut down because of ‘skyrocketing costs’, writing at the time of their closure in July: “The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.”
Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains
Emily Sergeant
Access to dating apps and websites is now blocked on-board trains travelling across the north, it has been revealed.
Northern says there’s “good reason” for taking this decision.
This is because the WiFi provided by the train operator on-board its services travelling across the north of England is delivered under the ‘Friendly WiFi’ scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content – including those associated with dating.
Websites and apps related to video streaming, gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography, and nudity are also blocked.
Northern has blocked access to dating apps and websites on-board its trains / Credit: Northern
The company says ‘Friendly WiFi’ – which it has been signed up to since 2017 – ensures its on-board internet service meets “minimum filtering standards” given the fact that children could be present around passengers at all times.
The decision to ban dating apps and websites comes after Northern also urged passengers to stop viewing content that’s “not suitable for work” on its trains and stations in Greater Manchester and beyond, and pleaded for them to “wait until you get home” instead.
Content that Northern considers ‘NSFW’ can range from inappropriate jokes and bad language, right through to offensive topics and explicit material.
The train operator has explained the “good reason” for its decision / Credit: Northern
Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Rice, said access to “safe and reliable” internet is part of passengers’ expectations.
“Whilst some dating websites and users will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear, particularly children, isn’t viewed on our trains,” Mr Rice explained.
“It’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.
Emily Sergeant -
16th February 2022 
