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Ban on FKA Twigs’ racy Calvin Klein ad partially reversed, still can’t be displayed around kids

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FKA Twigs’ controversial Calvin Klein campaign — which was temporarily banned in the UK for its risqué nature — may now be shown again in most parts of the country, according to the BBC.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the organization that regulates advertisements in the UK, reportedly ruled the image in question was not sexually explicit, as critics had previously suggested.

However, there is one caveat: The ad reportedly cannot be displayed where children might see it.

FKA Twigs' Calvin Klein ad.
The ban on FKA Twigs’ Calvin Klein ad in the UK has been partially lifted. Calvin Klein
FKA Twigs' Calvin Klein ad.
The ad was initially banned because it was deemed likely to cause “serious offense.” Mert & Marcus/Calvin Klein/MEGA
FKA Twigs' Calvin Klein ad.
Twigs appeared in the campaign wearing just a shirt and nothing underneath. Mert & Marcus/Calvin Klein/MEGA

Page Six has reached out to Twigs for comment on the decision but did not immediately hear back. The British singer, 36, has not yet addressed the latest update on social media.

In January, it was revealed that Twigs’ sizzling Calvin Klein campaign shot had been taken down after the ASA reportedly received complaints from just two people who deemed it inappropriate.

The steamy pic — featuring the tagline “Calvins or nothing” — showed the “Cellophane” singer wearing nothing but a shirt draped over her bare body.

FKA Twigs.
Twigs has not yet addressed the Advertising Standards Authority’s latest decision. fkatwigs/Instagram
FKA Twigs at a red carpet event.
It was previously reported that just two people had filed complaint about the singer’s Calvin Klein ad. WireImage

The ASA reportedly said at the time that it had removed the ad because it “used nudity and centered on FKA twigs’ physical features rather than the clothing, to the extent that it presented her as a stereotypical sexual object.”

The self-regulatory organization also added that the “image’s composition placed viewers’ focus on the model’s body rather than on the clothing being advertised” and was likely to cause “serious offense.”

Twigs called out the ASA shortly after, stating that there was a “double standard” with the ban.

FKA Twigs.
Twigs previously called out the ASA for its “double standard.” fkatwigs/Instagram
FKA Twigs.
“I see a beautiful strong woman of colour,” the singer previously said of her campaign.

“I do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me,” the “Two Weeks” singer wrote via Instagram in January.

“I see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine.”

Seemingly referencing “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White’s scantily clad Calvin Klein ad, she added at the time, “In light of reviewing other campaigns past and current of this nature, i can’t help but feel there are some double standards here.

Jeremy Allen White for Calvin Klein.
Twigs’ ban took place just one week after Jeremy Allen White stripped down for his own campaign with Calvin Klein. Mert Alas/Calvin Klein/MEGA
Jeremy Allen White's Calvin Klein ad.
Twigs seemingly compared the criticism she got for her ad to the praise White received. Mert Alas/Calvin Klein/MEGA

“i am proud of my physicality and hold the art i create with my vessel to the standards of women like josephine baker, eartha kitt and grace jones who broke down barriers of what it looks like to be empowered and harness a unique embodied sensuality.”


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Twigs concluded by thanking Calvin Klein and noted that in the shoot she was able to express herself “exactly how [she] wanted to.”

FKA Twigs.
Twigs was grateful to Calvin Klein for the opportunity. Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images
FKA Twigs.
The American fashion brand also supported the singer amid the backlash. fkatwigs/Instagram

The American fashion brand also backed the songstress at the time, saying, “The images were not vulgar and were of two confident and empowered women who had chosen to identify with the Calvin Klein brand, and the ads contained a progressive and enlightened message.”

According to the BBC, the ASA recognized Twigs’ feelings in their recent statement, saying it was aware of the “significant strength of public feeling, including views expressed by FKA twigs.”

The organization reportedly said its decision to review their original ruling was “driven by our concern that our rationale for banning the ad was substantially flawed.” The latest decision is reportedly final.

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