Supermodel Naomi Campbell is livid over a Cadbury Bliss ad that likens her to chocolate. The ad says, “Move over Naomi – there is a new diva in town.” Of course, the new diva is the chocolate bar. I should mention that the photo above has nothing to do with the ad in question. That photo was taken by David Chapelle a long time ago, captioning her as “chocolate playmate”. Hmm, but she’s okay with that though…? Anyway, the actual ad you’ll see below. I think it was awfully bold of Cadbury to put an ad with text like that (including her name) out there without considering it could be taken as racist. Even if it was meant to be lighthearted, these days you have to assume people will take it the wrong way and you’re better safe than sorry.

Campbell explained, “I am shocked. It’s upsetting to be described as chocolate, not just for me, but for all black women and black people. I do not find any humour in this. It is insulting and hurtful.” Her mother, Valerie Morris added, “I’m deeply upset by this racist advert. Do these people think they can insult black people and we just take it? This is the 21st century, not the 1950s. Shame on Cadbury.”

Cadbury responded to the criticism by explaining that the ad was “a light-hearted take on the social pretensions of Cadbury Dairy Milk Bliss”. He then said that the ad is “no longer in circulation… we have no plans to repeat the campaign.” See the ad in question below:

What are your thoughts on the matter?

Blog Widget by LinkWithin