FKA twigs responds to Calvin Klein ad ban
British singer-songwriter FKA twigs found herself at the center of controversy after an advertisement featuring her for Calvin Klein was banned in the United Kingdom. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the U.K.’s advertising watchdog, deemed the ad, part of an April 2023 campaign, to be “overly sexualized” and offensive.
One of the three posters, which showcased the 36-year-old artist, was criticized for its depiction of her body. The council noted that her “buttocks and half of one breast” were exposed in the “Calvins or nothing” image. This led to the ad being pulled after the ASA received two complaints, both of which claimed the images were “objectifying women” and inappropriate for public display.
The complaints argued that the ads focused on FKA twigs’ physical attributes rather than the clothing, reducing her to a “stereotypical sexual object.”
In response to the ban, FKA twigs took to Instagram, where she delivered a powerful message challenging the decision. She expressed pride in her body and rejected the label that the ASA had imposed on her. “I do not see myself as the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they labeled me,” she wrote. Instead, she sees a “beautiful, strong woman of color” whose body has “overcome more pain than you can imagine.”
Twigs also pointed out what she perceived as double standards, noting that similar campaigns have not faced the same scrutiny. “In light of reviewing other campaigns past and current of this nature, I can’t help but feel there are some double standards here,” she remarked, further fueling her message of empowerment.
Drawing inspiration from trailblazers like Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, and Grace Jones, twigs emphasized her pride in her physicality. She praised these pioneers for redefining sensuality and challenging conventional notions of female empowerment. “I hold the art I create with my vessel to the standards of women like Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, and Grace Jones,” she wrote, celebrating their ability to “break down barriers” and harness embodied sensuality.
She ended her statement with a heartfelt thank you to Calvin Klein, expressing her gratitude for their support and for allowing her to express herself freely. “I will not have my narrative changed,” she asserted, standing firm in her self-expression.
Calvin Klein defended the campaign, stating that it aligned with their long-standing commitment to inclusivity and equity. The brand emphasized that the campaign featured confident, empowered women like FKA twigs and Kendall Jenner, both of whom chose to represent the brand on their own terms. The company argued that the ads were not overly sexualized, but rather reflected a progressive message and the nature of their clothing, including underwear.
In the wake of the ad controversy, FKA twigs made headlines again by joining Madonna as a special guest at the pop icon’s Celebration Tour in London. Twigs shared moments from the night on Instagram, including an energetic stage performance that featured a lap dance with three male dancers. In a playful twist, Madonna held up a sign reading “10” and shared a kiss with one of the performers, adding to the buzz surrounding the performance.
Despite the backlash, FKA twigs continues to use her platform to challenge stereotypes and promote her vision of strength, beauty, and artistic freedom.
