An image of a woman’s backside with “The Sex Expo” written on one cheek has caused huge controversy leading up to the opening of the expo at Gallagher Convention Centre.
With just days to go before the sexiest show on earth returns, a massive advertising campaign has been rolled out across Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The campaign showcases a curvy lingerie-clad bottom with The Sex Expo logo on one cheek.
The expo’s advertising campaign has once again ignited anger and complaints from conservative residents.
Mobile billboards have been slashed and vandalised, and the organisation has received numerous e-mails and messages demanding the removal of the “offensive” image.
The main issue raised revolves around the depiction of a bum in a G-string featuring the word “sex”, which many feel is too hot to handle.
There is even a Change.org petition calling on the Advertising Regulatory Board to remove the advertising. The petition has garnered over 7 500 signatures.
Afrikaans media powerhouse Netwerk 24 is unable to book any advertising for the event due to concerns that the content is too risqué for its audience.
City councils reject campaign
Feeding off the conservative backlash, the city councils in Johannesburg and Pretoria rejected the campaign and refused to issue permission for it to be displayed on street poles across both cities.
“The Sex Expo is sexy, fun, and tasteful, like the campaign, but unfortunately you just can’t please everybody,” said expo organiser Sarah Dean.
“It’s bizarre that such an innocent and sassy image can generate such controversy in 2023.
“Online discounted tickets for this event are selling faster than ever, which shows that most people are actually pretty excited that we’re bringing sexy back.”
To evaluate the real impact on the public and whether the expo has gone too far with the campaign, the organisers conducted an independent and anonymous survey in local shopping centres around Johannesburg and Pretoria at the weekend.
The results show that a majority 78% of the 2 300 respondents either liked or had no issue with the campaign image, while only 12% were absolutely against it.
The remaining 10% of respondents were not sure.
The Sex Expo is a fun and entertaining adult-themed exhibition that features incredible stage shows with the hottest stars in the southern hemisphere.
It also has a hall full of sexy exhibitor stands showcasing a huge range of products, and a whole lot of naughty entertainment and fun.
The expo will take place from October 26-29 October.
