An advert that promoted a new series of Channel 4’s hit show, Big Fat Gypsy Weddings is being investigated for racism by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), according to reports.
The ads, which were posted on billboards, featured the slogan, “Bigger. Fatter, Gypsier” and received 370 complaints. They also caused outrage with the travelling community who branded the slogan as “racist”.
The ASA had earlier said it would not investigate the adverts as they reflected the tone and content of the show.
The change was recommended by the ASA’s reviewer following a request by the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain.
Earlier this year the ASA judged that although the adverts “might not be to everyone’s taste,” they were unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence as they reflected the content of the programme.
But following the recommendation by its independent reviewer, the ASA said its original decision was “flawed” and a formal investigation would take place.
