'Transphobic' Three mobile ad pulled after Facebook outrage
(Lewis Stickley/PA)
Three Mobile has come under fire for a billboard advert that says "It turned out he was a she".
The ad in Dublin was to reference the mobile phone company's unlimited data plans and makes a dig at rival Vodafone at the same time.
A passer-by uploaded a photo of the ad in Dublin to Facebook, criticising it for being "transphobic". Anne MacCarthy Adams had captioned it: "Why are 3 being transphobic in their new ad campaign!? Today sees legislation go through the Oireachtas that provides much needed recognition and respect to some of our most vulnerable members of society and 3 thinks this is a good creative to post!? #TakeItDown Transgender Equality Network Ireland".
In response, Three Ireland apologised and said it had removed the ad, but not before it sparked outrage on Twitter too.
Hi @ThreeCare. Can someone explain this ad in Stoneybatter? Certainly insensitive, possibly transphobic, not okay. pic.twitter.com/uun3oVDOha
— Luke Field (@LukePField) July 15, 2015
.@ThreeIreland absolutely disgusted at your insensitive and ignorant transphobic advertising. pic.twitter.com/pFBDPLwWCy
— Aaron (@BabyMonsterGoon) July 15, 2015
Transphobic advertising from @ThreeIreland. I'll be looking for another service provider. Photo via @LukePField. pic.twitter.com/w7uJmldwOG
— Samantha Cooney (@SamanthaCooney) July 15, 2015
Under the original Facebook post, Three Ireland apologised for any offence caused and explained that the concept of the ad had been misinterpreted.
Glad to see that @ThreeIreland has pulled its ad, good judgement. Thanks for the engagement earlier @ThreeCare
— Luke Field (@LukePField) July 15, 2015
The mobile provider also said it would remove the ad after the feedback it had received.
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