Metro Los Angeles Removes ‘Red Band Society’ Bus Ads for ‘Offensive Language’

Official Twitter says the executive committee was “getting earful from community”

Red Band Society Fox

Metro Los Angeles has removed “Red Band Society” bus ads after getting what it calls an “earful” from the community over “offensive language.”

Board Chair and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti apologized for posting the Fox advertisements in the first place, admitting that their policy “needs to be tightened.”

The ad in question is part of a national campaign in which star Octavia Spencer‘s character is referred to as a “Scary Bitch.” TheWrap first posted the ad exclusively.

Also read: Octavia Spencer Labeled ‘Scary Bitch’ on New ‘Red Band Society’ Poster (Exclusive Photo)

Metro Los Angeles spokesperson Marc Littman told TheWrap that protests over the ad began last night, which is when the company decided to pull the marketing materials.

That choice was made public on Thursday at a committee meeting, which is detailed in the embedded tweets below.

Also read: ‘Red Band Society’ EP Calls Fox’s High Expectations ‘Terrifying’

CBS Outdoors is Metro Los Angeles’ advertising firm, but Littman says that they did not run this particular ad by the public transportation company.

Metro prohibits what Littman called “derogatory” ads, as well as anything involving drugs and liquor.

Also read: ‘Red Band Society’ Stars Octavia Spencer, Dave Annable Tout Fox Show as Best Script of Pilot Season

When contacted about the offensive ads in question, a Fox spokesperson told TheWrap, “We were notified this morning of the concern around the ads, and immediately offered to remove the language. Metro Los Angeles ultimately decided to take down the ads, and we respect that decision. We sincerely apologize if the copy was offensive to viewers.”

Here are official tweets detailing the decision:

 

 

Tony Maglio

TV Editor • tony.maglio@thewrap.com • Twitter: @tonymaglio

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