Disney Advertisement Banned for Disturbing Content

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a Disney advertisement for the upcoming film Predator Badlands after parents complained it was inappropriate for children. The digital poster, displayed on a roadside in Giffnock, Glasgow, featured a large alien creature holding a severed human-like figure with its spine exposed.

Two parents contacted the ASA, arguing the imagery was disturbing and unsuitable for outdoor display where children could see it. Disney's subsidiary, Twentieth Century Studios, defended the advertisement by explaining that the severed figure was actually a robot, not a human, and that the scene lasted less than two seconds in a 10-second clip.

However, the ASA ruled that the distinction between robot and human was not clear from the advertisement. The watchdog stated that the alien appeared menacing, and the gory imagery of the severed torso would be disturbing to younger children. The ASA concluded that Disney had breached advertising standards and ordered the company to ensure future advertisements are appropriate for general audiences, including children.

Disney acknowledged the ruling and stated they take their responsibilities to audiences seriously.