‘Jesus’ cosmetic row in Singapore
February 12, 2008
This has to be one of the funniest true articles I have read in ages. It sent my mind racing, full of ideas for new names of cosmetic products..
A leading retailer in Singapore has withdrawn a cosmetics range with a Jesus theme after complaints from local Roman Catholics, local media report.
The range, named Looking Good for Jesus, was on sale at three Top Shop outlets in the Asian city state.
Catholics complained the cosmetics’ marketing was disrespectful, full of sexual innuendo and trivialised Christianity.
About 15% of Singapore’s 4.4 million population is Christian.
The products included a “Virtuous vanilla” lip balm and a “Get Tight with Christ” hand and body cream, featuring a picture of Christ flanked by two adoring women.
“Why would anyone use religious figures to promote vanity products? It’s very disrespectful and distasteful,” the Straits Times newspaper quoted accountant Grace Ong, 24, as saying.
A spokesman for the Wing Tai company - which runs the UK retailer’s outlets - told the newspaper it did not want to offend its customers, and withdrew the products last month.
It was not clear whether other shops were still selling the range.
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