ASA Says Paddy Power Advert was in Poor Taste

Paddy Power launched an advert in a UK newspaper during the beginning of the South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius' murder trial and the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has deemed it in poor taste. The ASA was compelled to get involved after receiving a number of complaints which led to the suspension of the advert pending investigation. Paddy Power says that its marketing team had no intention of offending the public but rather that the advert was a reflection of public interest. The ASA advised that Paddy Power take care in the future to avoid offence and negative advertising publicity.