An Indian advertising agency has come under heavy criticism after releasing a promotion for a mattress company which depicts schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai being shot in the face and ‘bouncing back’ from the incident.
Ogilvy’s Indian branch created a series of adverts showing then 14 year old Malala beng shot in the face by a member of the Taliban and falling backwards. The image then sees the young girl being attached to a drip and ‘bouncing back’ to accept an award.
A staff member at global firm Ogilvy & Mather initially tried defending the advert as a tribute – but the firm have since apologised and launched an investigation into how it was signed off for production.
Indian mattress company Kurl-On commissioned a series of ‘bounce back’ adverts, including Gandhi leaving his career as a barrister to become a peace activist, and Steve Jobs’ comeback after he was forced out of Apple.
The advertisement was only pulled following a Twitter backlash, with advertising executives from other Ogilvy braches worldwide denouncing the decision to run with the campaign.
Pakistani-born Malala was shot in the face on a school bus by an extremist Taliban gunman after blogging for her wish to receive an education. The schoolgirl was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where she recovered from her injuries.
The young girl has since released her autobiography, receiving a Nobel Peace Prize nomination and humanitarian awards for her bravery.
Image via Daily Mail
