The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has slammed Transport for London (TfL) over a controversial advert showing a black teenager verbally harassing a young woman on a bus. The watchdog branded the clip harmful and offensive, saying it perpetuates damaging racial stereotypes – despite TfL insisting the ad was based on real-life harassment incidents across its network.
‘Harmful Stereotype’ Triggers Complaints
The brief social media clip featured a black teen acting threateningly toward a woman. The ASA ruled that “when seen in isolation,” the advert reinforced negative links between black males and intimidation. The watchdog said: “The ad featured a harmful stereotype, was irresponsible and likely to cause serious offence.”
Only one complaint was needed to spark the ban. The viewer called the advert irresponsible and damaging due to its portrayal of black boys.
TfL’s ‘Act Like a Friend’ Campaign Hits Turbulence
The banned segment was one of three trimmed from a two-minute film released last October during National Hate Crime Awareness Week. The other ads showed a white man racially abusing a black woman, and a white man verbally attacking another white man over sexuality. The entire campaign urged passengers to safely intervene when witnessing harassment or hate crimes.
“We’re sorry this shortened social media advert falls below our usual standards when viewed alone,” TfL said.
TfL confirmed the offending clip has been withdrawn from social media. However, their wider “Act Like a Friend” initiative continues, aiming to support victims of hate crimes and harassment on public transport.
