SOURCE: American Family Association, 2/27

Procter & Gamble is currently running commercials for their Herbal Essence shampoo that use sex in a very extreme and vulgar manner. P&G has more than one variation of these commercials.

One AFA member describes one commercial in this manner: "There is a commercial by Herbal Essence Shampoo. A lady is in a salon and two other ladies are watching her get her hair washed. The one being washed is moaning while the other two ladies say she is having an 'organic' experience. Then one of the two decides to try it and moans as well and tells the men to 'work it.' At the end she says, 'OK, boys, it says to repeat if necessary. That is if you are up to it.'"

Don Wildmon, American Family Association (AFA) president said, “This commercial sounds more like something from a sleazy motel, rather than an advertisement for shampoo.”

Another member writes about another ad: "I'm writing to you about another suggestive ad that I find particularly offensive. It's the Herbal Essence shampoo ads...there are several, but the one that jumps into my mind has an office setting, with several men shampooing a woman's hair and two other women watching and one saying 'I wish I could have an organic experience.' The other woman says, 'You've never had one?' Then the woman getting her hair shampooed is making orgasmic sounds and writhing around in her chair and yelling 'work it, work it.' After the men get done shampooing her hair, she tells them, 'Guys, the bottle says to repeat.' The guys are also singing, 'She's got the urge.'"

Still another member writes: "In the ads, a woman will have an 'organic' experience by using this shampoo. Her hair is usually washed by several hunky men. There are several subtleties added to each commercial. Some of them have Dr. Ruth adding her own comments. One of the ads takes place in a library where the book 'Moby Dick' is prominently shown."

The Parents Television Council recently listed P&G as the third worst advertiser on television. They are not only pushing sexual exploitation in their commercials, but are also promoting filth in the programs they help sponsor.

P&G is one of the largest companies in America. Their products include Pampers, Luvs, Secret, Cover Girl, Head & Shoulders, Zest, and Crest.

ACTION NEEDED

Ask Procter & Gamble to pull the ads. P&G has, over the years, portrayed their company as a family oriented business and consistently they say they use good taste in their ads and programs. Ask them to live up to their claims. (sample letter below)

Chairman. John E. Pepper
Email Chairman Pepper: mailto:pepper.je@pg.com
Alternate email: mailto:shareholders.im@pg.com
The Procter & Gamble Company, 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202; Phone 1-800-435-9254

(Sample letter)

I am offended by your Herbal Essence commercials. I ask that you drop the Herbal Essence commercials which use the "organic" experience theme, as you and I both know it is a play on the words "organic" and "orgasmic."

I hope for a positive response from P&G. Your company has consistently presented itself as a family-friendly company. I hope it will act like one in this situation. I will make my future purchasing decisions based on your response.

I look forward to hearing from you.

(your name)