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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
Business
Jessica Belzycki

Lingerie store under fire for 'porn-themed' windows

Honey Birdette, which has stores in Charlestown and Kotara, has been accused of displaying "porn-themed" windows. Charlestown Square shopping centre on Boxing Day 2020. Picture Max Mason-Hubers

Australian retailer, Honey Birdette has received its 70th advertising ethics violation amid accusations of "porn-themed window displays in shopping centres".

The lingerie store, which has locations in Charlestown Shopping Centre and Kotara Westfield, has been accused of showcasing porn and BDSM-themed advertising to all ages.

Ad Standards deemed two advertisements to have a "high level of nudity" and breached Section 2.4 of its code.

Collective Shout Campaigns Manager, Caitlin Roper said the store has been criticised for pornified ads.

She said since 2010, Ad Standards had looked into 160 complaints against Honey Birdette, and upheld 70.

Collective Shout is a grassroots organisation against the objectification of women and the sexualisation of girls.

The movement asserted that Honey Birdette also fetishised female attendants, female athletes and lesbians.

Ms Roper said in the last 13 years, nothing had changed.

She said a complete overhaul of the self-regulated ad industry was needed.

The Australian Association of National Advertisers code of ethics is voluntary and the recent ruling has no legal baring on Honey Birdette.

A petition started in 2017 has garnered almost 80,000 signatures urging Honey Birdette to stop "porn-style" advertising in family friendly spaces.

Honey Birdette was contacted for a comment.

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