TfL Advert Showing Black Man Harassing White Girl On The Bus Is Banned For ‘Reinforcing Negative Stereotype’
A Transport for London advert showing a black man (and his white friend) harassing a white girl on a bus has been banned for ‘reinforcing negative racial stereotypes’.
According to the BBC, just one viewer complained about the ad, which shows a black teenage boy verbally harassing a white girl on a bus, while another white teenage boy sits next to her and boxes her into her seat:
🚨ADVERT BANNED AFTER 1 COMPLAINT🚨
— G R I F T Y (@GriftReport) February 18, 2026
Advert in UK showing black man and his white friend harassing white girl on bus is banned after just one complaint…
For 'reinforcing negative racial stereotypes'
The Facebook advert was pulled after just one complaint from a viewer,… pic.twitter.com/kUKL3riKZf
Following the one single complaint, The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the clip “featured a harmful stereotype, was irresponsible and likely to cause serious offence”.
The ASA added that although a white boy also appeared in the clip, “the ad did not show him as jointly intimidating the victim” and “the only aggressor in the ad was the black teenage boy”.
Other versions of the ad airing on Facebook show a white male committing a hate crime against a black woman, and a white male committing a hate crime against another white male. Both of those ads will keep running.
A TfL spokesperson said: “Our aim is to ensure that our advertising reflects London’s diverse population and does not perpetuate any stereotypes, just as we ensure that our services are as fair, accessible and inclusive as possible.
“We’re sorry that this social media advert – a shortened version of the full two-minute advert that includes a diverse range of ethnicities – falls below our usual high standards when viewed in isolation.”
Unbelievably lame of that one person to call up and complain about the ad, but even lamer that The Advertising Standards Authority pooped their pants and ordered TfL to take it down. You might understand if they were receiving an avalanche of complaints and didn’t want to deal with the drama, but how can one complaint hold so much weight?
Maybe one day we’ll all be beige and all this will no longer be an issue. Until then, it seems you can’t stop people obsessing over race.
For the insane 3-on-1 fight that broke out on the Central Line on the London Underground, click HERE.
