Consumer goods company Dabur recently withdrawn an advertisement after facing backlash online. An ad contained same-sex couples celebrating Karwa Chauth rolled out by Dabur for their product Fem Creme bleach and was criticized by a section of social media users.
On Tuesday, Dabur withdrew an advertisement for Karwa Chauth that celebrated equality, inclusivity, and a progressive view of marriage, but also triggered a rush of harsh responses, including response from Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra.
Dabur said Fem's Karwa Chauth campaign has been withdrawn from social media handles and we unconditionally apologise for unintentionally hurting people's sentiments."
The statement said “Dabur and Fem as a brand strive for diversity, inclusion and equality, and we proudly support these values in our organisation and within our communities. Our campaigns too reflect the same. We understand that not everyone will agree with our stance, and we respect their right to hold a different point of view. Our intention is not to offend any beliefs, customs and traditions, religious or otherwise. If we have hurt he sentiments of any individual or group, it was unintentional, and we apologise."
In September, clothing brand Manyavar ad featuring actor Alia Bhatt was trashed because it underlined the importance of gender equality with respect to the 'kanyadaan' marriage tradition.
Whereas, Tanishq the Tata Groups Jewellery was forced to withdraw an advertisement where Hindu bride's in-laws has organized the Baby shower function.