Particle.news

UK Regulator Bans Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Ad for Trivialising Sexual Violence

The ASA found the airport‑security spoof drew laughs from humiliation and an implied threat of non‑consensual penetration.

Overview

  • The Advertising Standards Authority ruled on February 18, 2026 that the advert must not appear again in its current form.
  • Nine complaints about trivialising sexual violence were upheld, while two objections alleging drug promotion were rejected.
  • The ruling cites lines such as “time for the puppet show” and “bite down on this, she’s going in dry” as creating an abusive, non‑consensual subtext.
  • Activision Blizzard and pre‑clearance body Clearcast argued the spot was an implausible parody aimed at adults and approved with an ex‑kids timing restriction.
  • The decision instructs Activision Blizzard UK to ensure future ads are socially responsible, and the banned spot remains viewable on YouTube despite the UK broadcast restriction.