'Audi' Faces Backlash and Halts Advertisement Featuring 'Banana-Eating Child'

German automobile manufacturer Audi apologized after facing a flood of criticism for releasing an advertisement featuring a child holding a banana. Photo by Audi (Twitter capture)

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] German automaker Audi apologized after facing a flood of criticism for an advertisement featuring a child holding a banana.

On the 3rd (local time), according to BBC, Audi released a new RS4 advertisement showing a young girl wearing sunglasses, leaning on the car's front grille while eating a banana. The ad also included the slogan "Make your heart beat faster - in every way."

Once the advertisement was released, it was heavily criticized for exploiting the child in a sexualized manner. Netizens pointed out, "Was it really necessary to have her hold a banana?" and "Blonde women, sports cars, and bananas are typical symbols of male desire."

As the controversy spread, Audi posted on its official Twitter account that day, "We also care about children. We will no longer use this advertisement image," and apologized. They also stated they would internally investigate the process that led to the creation of such an advertisement.

Previously, Audi's parent company, German automaker Volkswagen, faced racial discrimination controversy for an ad of the new Golf, which showed a Black man trying to get into a car being blocked by a white person's hand.

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