IKEA has created controversy with its gnomes gone crazy advertisement now airing in the UK.
A couple trying to spruce up their home with natty, colourful IKEA products are attacked by garden gnomes after the gnomes are removed from the garden as symbol of all that is dreary and old fashioned.
The couple fight back, smashing the gnomes to pieces. The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has had nearly 50 complaints that the advert is violent, frightening and encourages anti-social behaviour. (They do know that gnomes aren’t, well, alive, don’t they?)
IKEA has responded by saying it’s only a light-hearted rejection of “the ultimate embodiment of everything that’s tired and dreary about British gardens – the garden gnome.”
IKEA’s spokesperson went on to say “We can confirm no gnomes were harmed in the making of the advert, thanks to the brave stunt doubles and some clever post production”.
I’m not a big fan of gnomes, alive or dead, but I have to say this advert is kinda creepy.