Knightley’s Anti-Domestic Violence Ad Banned in UK

Keira Knightley

An anti-domestic violence advertisement, ‘The Cut‘, that starred the popular British actor Keira Knightley has been banned in UK. The British censors have banned the ad from telecasting.

The advertising censors declared the advertisement as too violent and has banned from  British television. The Advertisement stars “The Pirated of the Caribbean” star in the main role. Knightley is shown returning from a film’s shoot. At home she is confronted by a violent boyfriend who accuses her of having an affair with a fellow co-star. Knightley is then shown getting knocked down, bashed and kicked badly multiple times.

The censor body of advertising in United Kingdom clearly rejected the promo on the ground of the violent scene in the end where Knightley is being repeatedly kicked as she is knocked down on the floor.

The advertisement named as ‘The Cut’ was made for UK charity Women’s Aid. The advertisement was also launched in British cinemas this month. It has been liked by many and has been an instant success on YouTube with one million hits.

The creator of the advertisement,  Chris Hirst, MD of Grey London Advertising Agency, said, “The reason we are still in conversation with Clearcast about it is because it is too violent. Part of the campaign is to raise awareness about domestic violence, and spark debate, which the advert has done, even if it doesn’t make it on television“.