London – Facebook has issued an apology after previously refusing to
publish an advert which featured plus-size model Tess Holliday in a bikini.
Australian feminist group Cherchez la Femme, a monthly feminist talkshow
gathering, previously shared its shock when Facebook refused to boosted an
ad for its upcoming event focusing on body positivity. At the time the
group contacted Facebook, only to be told that the ad was not approved
because the image contravened their “health and fitness policy” and did not
fit its ad guidelines.
“The image depicts a body or body parts in a undesirable manner. Ads may
not depict a state of health or body weight as being perfect or extremely
undesirable,” Facebook wrote to the group. “Ads like these are not allowed
since they make viewers feel bad about themselves. Instead, we recommend
using an image of a relevant activity, such as running or riding a bike.”
Cherchez la Femme responded by posting a photo of a woman riding a bike
from the Stocky Bodies library. Since then Facebook has stepped forward and
issues a statement apologising for its original reply, noting that the
photo of Holliday is in accord with its guidelines.
“Our team processes millions of advertising images each week, and in some
instances we incorrectly prohibit ads,” said the company in a statement.
“This image does not violate our ad policies. We apologize for the error
and have let the advertiser know we are approving their ad.”
This is not the first time the social media platform has come under
fire for its policies – earlier this year Facebook was called out for
claiming a photograph of topless Aboriginal women in ceremonial paint
protesting was against its “community standards”, while it regular allows
celebrities such as Kim Kardashian to pose just in body paint.
Photo: Tess Holliday in a bikini, Cherchez La Femme: Feminism and Fat,
Facebook