Manneken Pis in Italian ad for prostate supplement

The Order of the Friends of Manneken Pis are not amused by a new advertisement in Italy that uses the image of Brussels’ famous statue. The ad is for a prostate supplement.

Our local hero features in print and video ads, as well as leaflets and in-store displays, for Pool Pharma's Prostata, an over-the counter product that “contributes to the functioning of the prostate and urinary tract”. Certainly there could be no better image for the ad than Brussels’ little peeing mascot, but the Order finds it unbecoming.

“We aren’t fans of the ad,” a spokesperson from the Order – which consists of experts in Manneken Pis history, folklore and outfits – told Het Nieuwsblad. “We don’t find it very funny.”

It may or may not be funny, but it’s completely legal, according to Brussels-City councillor Karine Lalieux, in charge of culture. “The image of Manneken Pis isn’t protected, and it is too late to do anything about that,” she told the paper. “Anyone can use the image.”