The Daily Telegraph

Demand For Pop Band

• 8th December 1997

LABOUR MPs yesterday called on the controversial band the Prodigy to withdraw posters advertising their song Smack My Bitch Up. A Group of 14 back-benchers signed a commons motion condeming the publicity campaign in "disgust and outrage". The Advertising Standards Authority is investigating the poster campaign after complaints from 40 members of the public that it could incite violence towards women. Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, said: "It is extremely offensive. I am not a prude and I think the Prodigy are a very good group. But they should think about the message they are giving out. "

A video featuring sex and drug-taking has already been banned by television stations. A spokesman for the ASA said: "We are formally investigating on the grounds that the words 'Smack My Bitch Up' might be seen as either sexist or inciting violence. " A spokesman for the band said the campaign had ended. "Most objections to this release stem from a misunderstanding of the nature of the band and their music," he said. They were"categorically opposed to violence against women".

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• Smack My Bitch Up