*Scape removes mannequin hanging from tree following online flak

The mannequin had been installed on Sept 18 as part of publicity efforts for *Scape's Halloween event. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/SINGAPOREANS DEFENDING MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

SINGAPORE - A mannequin that had been hanging from a tree at *Scape in Orchard Road has been taken down following criticism online that it was inappropriate.

A *Scape spokesman explained that the life-size human figure dressed in a bloodied white robe and hanging by the neck from a tree was installed on Sept 18 as part of publicity efforts for its Halloween event, Museum of Horrors VII: Vengeance.

"We have received feedback about the mannequin, and after reviewing internally, we informed the vendor to have it removed from the open public area," he said.

"We hope that the youth will still have an enjoyable Halloween experience at the Museum of Horrors."

He added that it was removed on Wednesday (Sept 27) morning.

A Facebook post on the Singaporeans Defending Marriage and Family page on Tuesday (Sept 26) evening criticised the installation, which hung above the stalls in the outdoor area of the premises.

It described it as "disturbing" and "in very bad taste". It also felt it could be traumatising for children.

The post also said:"The image of a person who appears to have hanged herself being used to promote fun Halloween activities would surely trivialise the issue of suicide among young people."

Last month, Resorts World Sentosa also faced criticism for its publicity campaign for the seventh instalment of its Halloween Horror Nights event.

Its use of fake memorials dedicated to victims of a fictional mall collapse was deemed tasteless and insensitive by some netizens.

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