These Are The Most Tone-Deaf And Insensitive Ads Of All Time

Nivea’s “White Is Purity” Campaign Didn’t Go Over Well

Photo credit: Jesse Grant/WireImage via Getty Images

Nivea didn’t really think things through when it launched its “White Is Purity” campaign. One of its ads targeted towards Middle Eastern consumers promoted its “Invisible for Black and White” deodorant. It featured the back of a woman’s head, who had long dark hair and was wearing a white outfit. The slogan “WHITE IS PURITY” was written underneath.

The caption said: “Keep it clean, keep bright. Don’t let anything ruin it, #Invisible.” Many found the ad to be racist, and the outrage was fast. One Twitter user wrote: “Shame, Shame, Shame on you. Fire your marketing person and anyone who approved this ad.” The German-based company eventually deleted the ad.