Silvio Berlusconi With A Trunk Full Of Tied-Up Women: Worst Ford Ad Ever?
JWT India created a series of disturbing ads for the FordFigo, one of which shows former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi flashing a peace sign from the front seat of a car that has three curvaceous women tied up and gagged in the trunk. Ford and JWT have both issued an apology.
Ford did not approve the ads; the agency was just publishing some speculative renderings to show off its creative chops. JWT India is Ford's agency for the Figo in that country.
India is known for its politically incorrect advertising — Hitler shows up in ads there on a regular basis. It is possible that JWT India was trying to make a joke about Western culture rather than the role of women in society — although either way it's tasteless. (If you click to expand the image, it's evident that the woman in the sexy schoolgirl outfit is crying.)
The tag line reads: "Leave your worries behind with Figo's extra-large boot," clearly referencing Berlusconi's many affairs and bunga bunga parties.
Another shows Paris Hilton taking out her reality television competition: The Kardashians.
What were they thinking?