Stib removes casino ads after sexism complaints

Brussels public transport operator Stib has banned a billboard ad for a casino, after numerous complaints on social media about its sexist nature.

Star Casino - which has used provocative photos of women and men in the past for its metro ads - unveiled a new campaign this week featuring a naked woman surrounded by banknotes.

The ad, accompanied by the slogan: "The sensation of winning" attracted social media attention among commuters, with some using hashtags such as #EverydaySexism and the French equivalent #SexismeOrdinaire to condemn the ad.

One Twitter user said Stib was condoning sexism by allowing the ad to appear in its metro stations. The public transport operator was quick to respond, saying: "After discussion, we have decided to remove the ad from our displays as quickly as possible - within 24 hours maximum."

Stib said those offended by the ad were free to lodge a formal complaint with the Jury d'Ethique Publicitaire, Belgium's advertising standards watchdog.

#Bruxelles, 2018...
Merci @STIBMIVB de cautionner ce #SexismeOrdinaire en affichant cette oeuvre de @starcasinobe. #TantQueÇaRapporte... #StopPubSexiste pic.twitter.com/nRvBgV0kBG

— KharHysh (@KharHysh) 2 January 2018