Fern Brady’s latest tour poster is being investigated by the Advertising Standards Authority after complaints that it may have broken advertising rules.
The cheeky poster shows an image of the comedian in draped Grecian-style clothing. Fern can be seen holding a baby in one hand and squeezing her breast in another, squirting milk into the mouth of a man on the floor.
The image has clear religious imagery with a stained glass window with the tour title that reads: ‘I gave you milk to drink.’
The comedian, best known for appearances on panel shows including Taskmaster and 8 out of 10 Cats has revealed in a video that ‘some virgin’ has complained to the advertising standards authority about her ‘beautiful’ poster.
She told her followers on Instagram: ‘There’s not even anything wrong with it. Why are you complaining?’
She then added that they are not invited to her upcoming show: ‘If you’re the person who complained about my poster, I hope you never come!’
In another post on social media, the comedian added: ‘A Catholic would have just said “The Lactation of St Bernard” so this complaint has Protestant energy written all over it.’
‘Tour continues this week in Portsmouth and Brighton. Strongly recommend @raphaelneal.1 of all your prayer card image needs.’
An Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) spokesperson confirmed that a complaint has been launched in a comment to The Independent.
‘The complainant has challenged whether the ad is offensive because they believe it mocks the Christian faith.
‘We have launched a formal investigation. But no decision has been reached on whether the ad breaks the UK advertising rules,’ the statement read.
The watchdog has said it will publish its findings in due course.
Fans rushed to her defence to agree that her poster was far from offensive, and obviously a homage to a religious painting which made then laugh.
‘It’s a take on a classic piece of art – me and my buddies appreciated the humour when we came to see you at York,’ said Pauline_tottie.
‘This makes is so much funnier.. I’m so sorry you’ve got to deal with the drama though Fern… jeezz it took them ages to complain too,’ said Shortbutsquishy.
‘Give the marketing crew a pay increase. Such a good job ♥️,’ joked amystoneman_.