THE ADVERTISING COMPANY behind the controversial Stoner Sloth campaign in Australia has defended the ads.
A spokesperson for Saatchi & Saatchi told the Sydney Morning Herald: “The unexpected global media attention is now providing a platform for parents and teenagers all over the world to have the conversation about cannabis in an engaging way.
“The videos we created were designed as part of a preventative campaign specifically for teens; the audience is not for adults or long-term cannabis users.”
The campaign, which cost Australian taxpayers $500,000 (about €330,000), was widely criticised when it was released.
Here’s a flavour of the ads:
Many people were unhappy the campaign depicts people who smoke marijuana as sloths who can’t participate in normal situations, such as passing the salt at dinner.
It led to a series of merchandise such as t-shirts, and parody videos – some of which you can watch below.
Warning: The below video contains swearing
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