Netflix to take down controversial ads in Germany
February 20, 2017
Instead of pictures of its stars, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, advertisements for a new Netflix comedy-horror series called "Santa Clarita Diet" depict, for example, a dismembered finger cut up and covered in curry sauce or several fingers replacing French fries in a box.
Many people found these large-sized ads hanging on buildings and in bus stations literally tasteless. About 50 complaints were filed with the Deutscher Werberat (German Advertising Council), spokesperson Anna Grote told DW.
Every citizen is allowed to complain about advertising
The people who complained considered the Netflix marketing campaign unsuitable for children and adolescents - that it could upset or scare them, said Grote.
Since 1972, citizens can submit complaints to this organization if they find that an advertisement promotes sexism, for example, or violence, such as in this case.
No legal offense
A single complaint can lead the council to get in touch with the company to determine its official position.
In this case, Netflix quickly agreed to take down all the offensive posters in Germany within the next days. No fines or court proceedings will follow.