The Advertising Standards Authority(ASA) has dismissed accusations of sexism made against Marks & Spencer’s Christmas TV advertising campaign.
The ASA received about 100 complaints over actor Philip Glenister’s part in the advertisement.
Glenister, best known for his role in Life on Mars, is seen propping up a bar explaining what he likes about Christmas. “Oh come on, it’s Christmas,” he says. “That girl prancing around in her underwear.”
The ad then shows M&S lingerie model Noemie Lenoir dancing in her underwear.
The ASA said it did not consider Glenister’s comment derogatory and said it was unlikely to be interpreted as a negative comment on women in general.
It decided there were no grounds for an investigation and has closed the case.
