Pamela Anderson TV Ad Banned in Britain for Being "Sexist and Degrading to Women"

Spot featuring the erstwhile Playboy Playmate draws the ire of some TV viewers for its sexually suggestive content

By Josh Grossberg Jun 05, 2013 3:37 PMTags
Pamela AndersonYoutube

Anyone thinking Pamela Anderson's days as a sex symbol are over would be mistaken, especially given this latest fuss.

A TV ad starring the 45-year-old former Baywatch beauty has been banned in Great Britain as being sexist and degrading to women.

The country's Advertising Standards Authority said in its ruling that it received four complaints that the commercial for Dreamscape Networks was offensive.

Specifically, the watchdog singled out a fantasy scene featuring the bikini-clad Anderson and another model showing off their cleavage while dancing and being covered in cream as part of a male executive's daydream during a boardroom meeting full of men.

"Because of that, we considered the ad was likely to cause serious offence to some viewers on the basis that it was sexist and degrading to women," the ASA said in defending its decision to prohibit the spot.

While the regulator noted the blond bombshell chaired the conference dressed in business attire and that she and her assistant were portrayed as "strong, confident business women," the ad still gave the impression they were "sexual objects to be lusted after."

Industry group Clearcast, which approves ads before they're broadcast, initially OK'd the commercial to air after 9 p.m., citing the fact that Anderson is "a celebrity who was known for flaunting her body."

For its part, the Web-hosting firm defended Pam's participation, arguing it did not believe the ad objectified women because the "comical" and "over-the-top" fantasy sequence was limited to the one executive's imagination.

Unsurprisingly, for any Brits who missed out on seeing the ad, it's found its way online. Is Anderson's ad too hot for TV? Judge for yourself here.

PHOTOS: Since we're on the subject, here are some other sexy stars in suits