PETA

Ad: PETA

Controversy: PETA's ad campaign highlights naked celebrities, with taglines all relatively similar to "I'd rather go naked than wear fur." The ads are revealing, showing pictures of nearly completely nude celebrities.

Verdict: The ads are eye catching, and they get their message across with one simple tag line. Overall, I think the campaign is excellent.

Grade: A

Intel

Ad: Intel

Controversy: This ad portrays a business professional standing in the middle of an African American professional sprinter and 5 duplicates. Critics see this ad racially insensitive, portraying the white man standing above the 6 black men - some even suggested it appears that they are bowing.

Verdict: I saw the ad as a representative of some of the best sprinters in the world, who do happen to be African American, i.e. Olympic superstar, Usain Bolt. I also saw the "6" men, as multiples of just one man, rather than 6 separate African American men. I understand the race point, but I don't think this ad is racially insensitive. The execution could have maybe been better, but I don't feel that the ad itself is offensive.

Grade: B

Belvedere Vodka

Ad: Belvedere Vodka

Controversy: This ad was controversial, due to its connotations of date rape. The ad portrays a horrified-looking woman being unwillingly dragged down by a man, holding implications of disrespect, violence, and rape.

Verdict: The ad was obviously trying to take a stab at humor, but there is nothing humorous about forced, unwanted sexual activity.

Grade: F

Welcome!

Here, you will be able to find a collection of controversial ads. We will take a look at the ads and evaluate why they are under fire by critics. Each ad will receive a verdict about whether or not the critics are right, and we'll also hand out an overall grade for the ad itself. Enjoy!