Facebook Ad Photo (Photo : Facebook)
Facebook has apologized after blocking an ad of an Australian feminist group whose advertisement features the plus-sized model known professionally as Tess Holliday wearing a bikini. The social media giant told the women's rights group that the image was rejected because the company's guidelines do not permit health and fitness ads to show a certain body weight as being either perfect or very undesirable.
Cherchez La Femme is the name of the Facebook group. It posted a screenshot of Facebook's response about the banned ad.
A Facebook ads representative stated in the message that such ads are not allowed on the social network because they make people feel bad about themselves. They suggested a better image would be a person running or bicycling.
The ad's goal was to promote the group's event titled "Feminism and Fat." Meanwhile, the 22-year-old American model born as Ryann Maegen Hoven had not approved the ad's photo.
After the feminist group posted the screenshot, a Facebook spokesperson responded within hours. They said that the company had reversed its decision and that banning the ad was a mistake.
The world's largest social network shared that it processes millions of ad photos every week. It also stated that the image does not break its ad policies, and apologized for the "error."
Facebook's first decision had been to let the event page stay online, according to The Guardian. However, the advertisement would have boosted the post's views, likes and shares.
Cherchez La Femme producer Jessamy Gleeson stated that Facebook should do more than say it is sorry. The group believes Facebook should change its ad policies and how it judges women's bodies, after getting advice from feminists and "body-positivist activists."
In fact, the Facebook policy that the company had stated was related to unhealthy weight-loss programs. However, Cherchez la Femme wanted women to feel happy about their bodies.
Critics also said that the California company was using a double standard. They pointed out that Facebook allows Kim Kardashian and other celebrities to pose with body paint covering up their nipples.
Earlier this year ABC and NBC were also criticized when they rejected a Lane Bryant commercial, according to Mashable. The ad "This Body" features plus-sized models wearing little or no clothing as they talk about being proud of their bodies.
Here's the ad "This Body":
