Bombay Shaving Company ad on Prachi Nigam is in bad taste?

The Bombay Shaving Company’s advertisement featuring Prachi Nigam, the UP board topper, has indeed stirred controversy and has been widely criticized as being in poor taste. The ad, which was intended to show solidarity with Nigam amidst the trolling she faced for her facial hair, has been accused of commercializing her ordeal and prying on her fate.

Critics argue that the ad’s message, “We hope you never get bullied into using our razor,” was insensitive and opportunistic, exploiting Nigam’s situation for brand promotion. The backlash suggests that the ad failed to resonate with its intended message of support and instead came across as a marketing ploy.

The company and its CEO faced criticism on social media, with many users suggesting that the ad was a desperate attempt to gain attention and that it trivialized the bullying Nigam experienced. The controversy highlights the fine line between showing support and exploiting a situation for commercial gain.

Bombay Shaving Company's CEO and founder, supporting the newspaper advertisement wrote on LinkedIn, "It was shocking to see the amount of hate targeted at a teenage girl who had TOPPED AN EXAM because of her facial hair. Our simple message to this amazing young woman with such a bright future. Love to see my team ooze class. No opportunistic sale, QR code, nothing. Just a heartfelt message to a fellow Bae."

"Shameless, opportunistic & downright disgusting. Ankita - it's time we reported this ad to ASCI ( The Advertising Standards Council of India ) - I'm pretty sure NO consent was ever taken from an underage Parchi or her parents, to use her name in this full blown disgusting ad," a user commented.

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