March 19, 2009 Thursday
Updated
March 19, 2009
Jolie ad ordered off TV
The Advertising Standards Authority said the ad for the DVD version of Universal Pictures' 2008 action flick 'Wanted' breached ad codes and should not be broadcast. --PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON - A TV ad showing actress Angelina Jolie firing weapons must not be shown because it could be seen as condoning gun violence, Britain's advertising watchdog said Wednesday.

The Advertising Standards Authority said the ad for the DVD version of Universal Pictures' 2008 action flick 'Wanted' breached ad codes and should not be broadcast.

The film follows the initiation of an office drudge Wesley Gibson (played by James McAvoy) into a mythical group of super-powered assassins.

The ad for the DVD release shows McAvoy and co-star Jolie wielding pistols, a shotgun, and generally spraying scene after scene with bullets.

The authority said the ad - which juxtaposes images of gun violence with Jolie showing off her bare back - 'could be seen to condone violence by glorifying or glamorizing the use of guns.'

It was unclear what practical effect, if any, the ruling would have.

The 'Wanted' DVD was released in Britain nearly six months ago.

The advertising authority has no power to enforce its writ, but it can refer advertisers to Britain's Office of Fair Trading for legal action. -- AP

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