BMG have defended a recent OutKast poster after a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority was upheld. The poster featured OutKast member Andre 3000 holding a smoking gun. The advertising watchdog agreed with complaints that the poster was "offensive and irresponsible" in the way it "glorified gun use". Particular emphasis was put on the fact the picture showed a 'smoking gun', implying Andre has recently fired it.
But BMG argue that OutKast fans would find the poster "ironic". Stressing that Andre 3000 was one of one of the hip hop stars "least likely to glorify violence", they argued the poster was "no more likely to provoke violence or anti-social behaviour than marketing campaigns for Hollywood films, such as James Bond films, that feature guns or violence".
While upholding complaints that the poster was irresponsible, the advertising watchdog rejected claims it promoted racial stereotypes. The racism allegations are the second such charges OutKast have faced this year. Andre 3000 came under criticism from native American groups in the US after he appeared at the Grammys dressed in stereotypical native American dress.