19 August 11:46
International
Credit: Chukrut Budrul / Zuma Press / Profimedia
Swiss watchmaker Swatch has withdrawn a controversial advertisement featuring a model pulling the corners of her eyes, a gesture considered racist by Chinese users. The criticism led to calls for a boycott of Swatch products, and the company issued an apology, but it did little to quell the outrage. Swatch derives a significant portion of its revenue from China, where consumers have previously organized boycotts against brands perceived as insensitive to local culture.
Sources
FOTO Swatch își cere scuze pentru o reclamă cu "ochi oblici", după critici și amenințări cu boicotul din China
Swatch pulls 'racist' advert featuring Asian model in 'slanted eyes' pose
Watchmaker Swatch apologizes for 'slanted eye' ad after online backlash in China
Swatch retrage o reclamă acuzată de rasism în China după apeluri la boicot
Swatch retrage o reclamă acuzată de rasism în China după apeluri la boicot