Calvin Klein advert starring a partially-nude FKA Twigs has ban reversed by watchdog which said it depicted her as a 'sexual object' after the singer complains

A Calvin Klein advert showing a partially-nude female musician has been cleared by the watchdog following a complaint from the singer herself.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) had banned a poster showing FKA Twigs with the side of her buttocks and part of a breast exposed, ruling that it depicted her as a 'stereotypical sexual object'.

However, the watchdog took the rare decision to reverse the ruling after FKA Twigs took to Instagram to mount a challenge.

The singer complained that the original verdict was evidence of 'double standards' in the advertising industry.

For example, similar advertising for the fashion brand's 'Calvins or nothing' campaign, featuring The Bear actor Jeremy Allen White in nothing but underwear, has passed without censure or complaint.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) initially banned a poster showing FKA Twigs with the side of her buttocks and part of a breast exposed, but the watchdog has reversed its decision 

The singer complained that the original verdict was evidence of 'double standards' in the advertising industry

FKA twigs defended her image, saying: 'I do not see the 'stereotypical sexual object' that they have labelled me.

'I see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine.'

She added: 'In light of reviewing other campaigns, past and current, of this nature, I can't help but feel there are some double standards here.'

The singer added that she was 'proud of her physicality' and cited role models such as Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, and Grace Jones who had broken down barriers.

Her stand received support from other women in the entertainment industry, including the I May Destroy You writer and actor Michaela Coel.

Now, the ASA's ruling council has withdrawn the ruling that the image reflected an outdated sexual stereotype.

In a ruling published today (Wed), it states: 'We have reviewed and changed a decision we made in a formal ruling.

'In our previous ruling we judged that because the ad used nudity and centred on her physical features rather than the clothing she was wearing, it presented FKA Twigs as a stereotypical sexual object.'

Similar advertising for the 'Calvins or nothing' campaign, featuring The Bear actor Jeremy Allen White in nothing but underwear, has passed without censure or complain

The singer added that she was 'proud of her physicality' and cited role models such as Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, and Grace Jones who had broken down barriers

But is said: 'After careful thought, our Council, the independent jury that decides whether UK ads break the rules, considers that the image was not sexually explicit, that the ad presented FKA twigs as confident and in control and, therefore, that she had not been objectified.'

Despite the decision, the ASA Council said it still considers the ad was overtly sexual and therefore is not suitable for public billboard sites where it would be seen by children.

The ASA added: 'The decision to revisit our original ruling took place in the context of the significant strength of public feeling, including views expressed by FKA Twigs, in response to our findings, but was driven by our concern that our rationale for banning the ad was substantially flawed.'