Condom poster dropped after death of boss
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A poster campaign by the British Safety Council using a wedding photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales to promote safe sex has been withdrawn following the death of the Council's flamboyant director-general.
The BSC's board of governors said today they were not prepared to support the controversial poster and apologised to the Royal family for any distress caused.
The campaign featured a picture of the Royal couple kissing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, with the caption: "Appearances can be deceptive. Use a Johnny Condom." The poster was intended to promote National Condom Week and was the brainchild of the BSC's founder and director-general, James Tye.
BSC chairman Dr Douglas Latto said: "Sadly James Tye passed away on Sunday. This was his last campaign. In his absence the board of governors feels it really cannot support such a controversial poster.
Palace officials complained to the Advertising Standards Council about the poster, which first appeared last week, but just days ago the BSC was refusing to apologise. A spokeswoman for the BSC said today: "It was very much James's baby. We only had five complaints from members of the public, but hundreds of people rang in from all over the country saying how much they enjoyed it."
It is not the first time the BSC's founder and the Royal family have clashed. Mr Tye had criticised the Queen for not wearing a hard-hat while hunting. The Princess Royal also came under attack for driving her son, Peter, home from hospital without wearing a seatbelt, and the Prince of Wales was reprimanded for allowing Prince Harry to hold the steering wheel of his Land Rover while driving on the Sandringham Estate.
In 1990 the BSC breached Royal protocol by using, without permission, posters of the Prince of Wales with his arm in a sling to promote safety in the workplace. In 1993 the Council branded Buckingham Palace a "death trap" for tourists, because of serious fire hazards.
Mr Tye, a former advertising executive, set up the BSC, an independent charity, in 1957, and became its head in 1968. He ran it as an internationally- recognised organisation, from hishome in Chiswick, west London.
A spokesman for the BSC said: "He was a wonderful character, a great eccentric whom we'll miss terribly." Mr Tye died aged 74. He leaves his wife Rosalie, and a son and daughter.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments