A cleavage controversy embroils two major TV networks. The battle is over a banned commercial featuring a model for plus-size clothier Lane Bryant. But with more sexual sizzle on TV than ever before, is this a case of prejudice against plus-sizes, or something else?
A group of proud, full-figured women looked at the new ad campaign for the women’s clothing company and told CBS 2 that whoever nixed it was a “boob.”
“I’m fired up about it because I’m not a small Victoria’s Secret woman. I am fired up about this,” said shopper Marie Thomas.
“It is disgraceful,” said shopper Diane Porcaro. “Just because they’re full-figured women doesn’t mean they can’t dress the way they’d like to dress and have it shown.”
Lane Bryant claimed at least two networks – Fox and ABC – decided the ad is too sexy for TV because it shows too much cleavage.
In the ad, a scantily-clad woman is wearing Lane Bryant lingerie and the narrator is heard saying, “Mom always said beauty is skin deep, a smile is the best makeup, and it’s what underneath that counts. Somehow, I don’t think this is what mom had in mind.”
Shopper Andra Prince said she feels betrayed.
“It is a complete double standard. If it’s OK for the skinny woman, it should be OK for the full-figured woman. We have just as much right as anyone else,” she said.
Lane Bryant customer Colleen Bjornsson wondered what kind of message this sends.
“If you can have a Victoria’s Secret model, what’s wrong with the full-figured woman? Most of America is full-figured, aren’t they?” she asked.
Peggy Howell is an advocated for full-figured people, and spokesperson for the National Association for Advancement of Fat Acceptance.
“There are plenty of models that walk down the catwalk in nothing, but bras and tiny little panties. What is the difference?” she asks.
And many shoppers who spoke to CBS 2 agreed, complaining they are subjected to Victoria’s Secret ads and thin models all over the airwaves, calling this dispute blatant discrimination.
“I do feel good about myself, especially having my son just a few months ago,” said Lane Bryant shopper Lynne Waldman. “But I do think it’s silly they are catering more to the skinny women, there are more heavy women in the world.”
ABC declined to comment, but Fox agreed to air the ad during “American Idol” after re-editing.
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