A Carl's Jr. TV commercial has been banned in New Zealand by the country's Commercial Approvals Bureau (CAB). According to the New Zealand Herald, the decision was made last week to pull the ad for the chain's Memphis BBQ Burger.
A similar ad has appeared in the U.S. and features two female models grilling and eating burgers.
The ad campaign was created by Los Angeles- and Amsterdam-based creative agency 72andSunny. The spot was directed by Chris Applebaum, known for making music videos and ads, including Carl's Jr.'s spots starring Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Padma Lakshmi and, most recently, Kate Upton.
The CAB ruled in favor of the ban because it "uses sexual appeal in an exploitative and degrading manner as well as using sex to sell an unrelated product."
The Carl's Jr. New Zealand franchisee, Restaurant Brands, has since pushed the product via its social media channels. CEO Russel Creedy said it would be too expensive to create its own commercials.
The publication described the ruling as a "blow" to the franchisee as it expands the Carl's Jr. brand throughout New Zealand.
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