Samsung cleared by UK watchdog over ad showing woman running at 2am

ASA received complaints that ad encouraged unsafe behaviour, but firm said a ban would lead to gender stereotyping

A Samsung ad featuring a woman running alone at 2am has avoided a ban by the UK advertising watchdog, despite complaints that it was irresponsible after a spate of late-night attacks on women.

The TV and cinema ad for Samsung products including a smartwatch featured a woman getting up at 2am and going for a run through a large city while wearing wireless earbuds. A voiceover encouraged the idea of running at unusual hours, stating: Sleep at night. Run faster. Push harder. Follow the herd. Not for me. I run on a different schedule. Mine."