A promotion poster showing the crucifixion of an overweight man in a pair of pink boxer-shorts has been banned by the London Tube after bosses ruled it offensive.
The poster is for a play entitled ‘Fat Jesus’ and is based in part on the story of a man turned down for a part in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ because of his weight issues.
Starring glamour model Abi Titmuss, it is set to run from February 26, but the poster has been pulled as part of the commitment from Transport for London (TfL) to avoid ads likely to be found offensive by some members of the public.
Writer, Gavin Davis, defended the poster saying it summed up the play. He added that while he appreciated the image could be seen as sensitive he did not believe it to be blasphemous.
“Then play is a comedy and the poster accurately reflects its content and themes – the central character stages his own mock crucifixion for an art project, “ Davis said.
However, a TfL spokesman said, "Millions of people travel on the London Underground each day and they have no choice but to view whatever adverts are posted there.
"We have to take account of every passenger and endeavour not to cause offence in the advertising we display."
Recently an ad for the Royal Academy of Arts featuring a 500-year-old painting of a nude was banned by TfL – only for Tube bosses to make a u-turn.