American Apparel criticized for ‘racy’ back-to-school ads

Global Business

American Apparel is coming under fire for its new racy ad campaign which some say has gone too far. CCTV America’s Yakenda McGahee reports.

Retailer American Apparel’s new sexually suggestive ads have drawn negative reaction from around the world. Critics are questioning whether it’s an attempt to boost flat sales. It may help offset a $16 million in second quarter losses and the ouster of its chief executive.

The racy back-to-school ads posted but then were removed from the retailer’s U.K. Instagram account. They include images of a young model wearing a mini skirt and bending over.

Twitter users accused the company of “underage porn” and “objectifying women.”London-based children’s charity Kidscape called for parents to boycott the collection.

American Apparel has not offered an apology. Instead, the company posted billboards with this message: “We’re not politically correct, but we have good ethics.”

Critics say that while the process of selling apparel may be ethical, the way some clothing companies peddle their goods is highly questionable.