Tank top ads on Amazon using 'offensive' phrase pulled from site after CBC investigation
Posted on: Oct 16, 2025 13:33 IST | Posted by: Cbc
Ad Standards, Canada’s self-regulatory ad manufacture guard dog, oversees the rural area’s Code of Advertising Standards, which is voluntary.
Amazon chose to ignore a request from Ad Standards to drop the term “wife beater.” The U.S. Based e-commerce giant told the industry watchdog that the phrase is accepted in popular culture and doesn’t violate its Offensive Products Policy.
“I am deeply sorry,” said NATPOST. "I'll remove the link immediately."
"I deeply regret that it has caused harm," said WANGYUNHUI2025, a dealer who removed the term from their tank top ads.
“I understand how important it is to use language that is respectful and inclusive, and I assure you that this will not be an issue moving forward.”
The one ad that remains unchanged happens to be the only one selling tank tops for women, rather than men.
Ad Standards took on the Amazon case after receiving a complaint from Diana Swales of Regina in 2024. Swales says she was taken aback when the retailer sent her an email about products on its site she may be interested in, including a men’s “wife beater” tank top.
"It's so obviously offensive,” she said. “It should be offensive to all women, but it's certainly offensive to ones who've been impacted by that activity.”
Swales was disappointed Ad Standards couldn’t make Amazon remove the phrase from its website.
“I guess Amazon is just too big to care,” she said.
“I congratulate them,” she said, referring the the dealers. Swales said that perhaps they just needed to be made aware that the phrase could be considered offensive.
'Offensive' undershirt descriptions remain on Amazon, despite complaints
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