Reebok Russia accidentally insinuates oral sex in recent ad

By: Sara D.

Reebok Russia may have taken the phrase “in your face” a little too far, insinuating oral sex in a recent ad.

“Sit not on the needle of men’s approval — sit on men’s face,” states a slogan they posted alongside Russian feminist Zalina Marshenkulova — seen in a provocative crouching position.

After some social media users decried the ad, Marshenkulova poked fun at them on Facebook, writing, “God, save Russia from me and from cunnilingus.”

“We live in a world where advertising is a zone of chauvinism and in every second woman is used as bait,” she added.

One Twitter user, @Ales13965094, accused the ad of displaying “sexist propaganda against men.”

The ad was part of Reebok’s global “Be More Human” campaign, which the company says is intended to uplift women and features pop singer Ariana Grande, actress Gal Gadot and model Gigi Hadid.

Along with Marshenkulova, European grappling champion Anzhelika Pilyaeva and MMA fighter Justyna Graczyk feature in the campaign.

“I covered my nipples so that you don’t cut yourself,” reads the slogan next to Graczyk, who is clad in a sports bra and boxing gloves.

Reebok Russia initially pulled all its controversial ads amid the backlash.

“Reebok gave the floor to girls who have something to say and who are not shy about being themselves,” the company posted on Instagram. “Unfortunately, after the publication of some pictures, it became clear that part of the content cannot be published.”

It later re-posted all of the ads except the one of Marshenkulova with the racy “face” message.

Marketing director Alexander Golofast resigned over the ad, according to Russia’s TV Rain.

“I’m just ashamed that I look so ridiculous,” he was quoted as saying.