Darwin woman slams underwear advert for being ‘sexualised filth’

A woman who took to social media to complain about an undies advert has been labelled just “another Karen” having a whinge.

A Darwin woman has become the butt of many social media jokes after she took to Facebook to complain about an advertisement at a shopping mall in the Northern Territory.

The long-term Palmerston resident shared a video to Facebook in an attempt to shame the Bras N Things store at her local shopping centre, which she accused of using “erotic” images to sell underwear.

“You should be ashamed of yourself, Bras and Things,” she said in the video.

“Children are watching this. They can walk past and see this filth.”

A Darwin woman has been labelled a ‘Karen’ after complaining about an underwear advertisement.

The video shows the digital advertisement flashing between images of women wearing various types of underwear. The local woman said the ads were exposing children to “sexualised images”.

“Might as well have strippers on the billboard. What really is the difference in this ad?” she wrote.

The woman said the Gateway Shopping Centre in Palmerston should ensure the ads were only visible from inside the store.

“My main concern is children easily being able to see these sexualised erotic images,” she told NT News.

“We as a society must protect children and not normalise and promote any pornography, sexual or erotic images.”

The woman said she was “disgusted” the shopping centre allowed such advertising when it touts itself as a “family friendly” venue.

The woman suggested the images were almost pornographic.

However, a spokeswoman for Gateway Shopping Centre said the ad “was undertaken by the store for the store”.

“We take our duty of care very seriously,” she said.

“If we did receive a complaint, our first action would be to contact the retailer.”

The woman’s video quickly racked up hundreds of comments after it was shared in a local Facebook page and the infamous Darwin – Have a Whinge page.

While the Darwin woman attracted some support with her video, social media users were quick to brand her a “Karen”.

“Goodness, another Karen. Have you been to the swimming pools or the beach? Get over yourself,” one person wrote in the Darwin – Have a Whinge page.

“Imagine being this upset by a bum,” another local commented.

The Palmerston resident said the digital advertisement should be moved inside the store.

“A bra and knickers shop advertising knickers … outrageous!” one Darwin woman cheekily wrote.

Despite being told to “chill out” and “get a life”, the woman said she would not be deterred from speaking out.

“I’ve developed a thick skin,” she said

“It doesn’t phase me. I know many people agree with me who don’t comment on Facebook for their own reasons and I’m proud of my morals and values.”

Bras N Things has been contacted for comment. The Palmerston store has been inundated with feedback.

The controversy comes only a month after a Perth shopping centre came under fire for hosting a children’s activity near lingerie store Honey Birdette.

Activist group Collective Shout said children who attended the advertised winter wonderland-themed activities were exposed to sexualised and bondage-themed advertising.

Honey Birdette has also drawn controversy over its advertisements. Picture: Collective Shout

“How many kids will have to walk past these pornified and degrading representations of women to attend their school holiday activity?” the group asked.

“We’ve censored this image for you, but Honey Birdette is showing kids the uncensored version, featuring women’s exposed genitals – and Lakeside Joondalup is allowing it.”

Responding to the complaints, the shopping centre told news.com.au the holiday activities were hosted by an independent client in a space about 50m from the lingerie store.

Children could access the activities without having to pass the Honey Birdette store, the shopping centre said.

Originally published as Darwin woman slams underwear advert for being ‘sexualised filth’