Key facts
- Dettol has apologized for an advertisement in China.
- The advertisement was intended to criticize sexism.
- The ad compared men to bacteria.
- The ad faced backlash online.
- Critics accused the ad of objectifying women.
- There were calls for a boycott of Dettol products.
- Dettol has removed the advertisement.
Dettol has issued an apology following a strong negative reaction to an advertisement released in China. The advertisement, which was intended to criticize sexism, instead sparked an uproar among consumers online. Critics accused the ad of objectifying women and subsequently called for a boycott of Dettol products. In response to the backlash, Dettol has removed the advertisement from circulation. The company stated its apology was for the negative sentiment and controversy the ad generated, indicating a misstep in its campaign messaging.