Audi Apologizes For Using Small Girl Eating Banana For Car's Advert

The advert, promoting the Audi RS 4 Avant, was posted on the company’s official Twitter account and attracted criticism from some social media users who described it as “sexually suggestive”, “strange” and “creepy”.

Critics also suggested the advert glorifies “dangerous driving” and shows a child at risk of being run over.

Audi said the advert was a “mistake”, tweeting that such mistake would not be made in future.

The company statement reads;

“We hear you and let’s get this straight: We care for children. The Audi RS 4 is a family car with more than thirty driver assistance systems including an emergency break system. That’s why we showcased it with various family members for the campaign.

We hoped we could convey these messages, showing that even for the weakest traffic participants it is possible to relaxingly lean on the RS technology. That was a mistake! Audi never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings.

We sincerely apologize for this insensitive image and ensure that it will not be used in future.

We will also immediately examine internally, how this campaign has been created and if control mechanisms failed in this case. “

However, other social media users said they could not see what was “offensive” or “provocative” about the advert.