A UK watchdog group has banned a new Spotify Ad for being too disturbing. Who knew “Havana” by Camila Cabello could cause so much distress?! Actually, it’s more about the horror storyline than the song as it features a frightening eyeless doll that comes to life every time “Havana” plays. There’s nothing graphic or gory in this 60 second spot, but the Ad Standards Authority didn’t like it’s overall feel – especially when it comes to young kids seeing the ad. The rest is implied with the tag line: “Killer songs you can’t resist.”
It’s meant for an adult audience & aims to be more funny than frightful, but it’s been reported that it’s caused a number of kids to get very upset and here’s why: The minute-long ad shows a bunch of young people living in a house together, starting their mornings with a “wake-up playlist” that includes “Havana”—a song that apparently yanks the aforementioned doll out of its own deep sleep and sets it off on what appears to be a killing spree.
Spotify expressed “regret” for causing distress, adding: “We take our responsibilities as a marketer very seriously.”
If you’re feeling brave & you’re over the age of 16, check it out & let me know how you feel about it. – April