Over the past year and a half, Russian tennis players are much less likely to appear in advertising for major international tournaments. The organizers try not to draw attention to Russian athletes again to avoid problems and often even hide their nationality.
However, similar incidents have occurred in the past, although they had nothing to do with politics. Then, 18 years ago in Canada they unexpectedly banned… hanging posters with a photograph of Maria Sharapova.
The reason for the ban turned out to be simply ridiculous.
SEXUAL PROPAGANDA
In mid-August 2005, the Russian was supposed to participate in the Rogers Cup, which at that time was called the second oldest tennis tournament in the world, the Canadian Open. 18-year-old Sharapova was at that time the leader in the WTA ranking and was already considered a big star, so the organizers decided to promote the championship with her help. It was Maria’s photograph that appeared on posters posted throughout Toronto before the start of the contest and in numerous advertising brochures.
It is unlikely that the Russian tennis player expected that the most common photo of her would cause, if not a scandal, then at least a heated discussion in Canada. As soon as materials printed with Sharapova’s face began appearing on the streets and being passed around, Canadian Open bosses began receiving alarming complaints from citizens.
The level of discontent grew rapidly. At first, Rogers Cup officials received appeals from Toronto residents, and then the city administration joined in the pressure on the tournament organizers. The authorities were not ceremonious with the businessmen and directly demanded that they remove or replace the posters with the image of the Russian tennis player.
Social networks of Maria Sharapova
The reason for numerous appeals turned out to be… sexual propaganda. That’s exactly how some vigilant Canadians viewed the use of a photograph in which a girl’s nipples were visible through her tennis dress.
– I don’t see any sporting need for Maria Sharapova’s breasts to fall out of her bra. What are they trying to sell this way? “I consider this a sign of bad taste,” said Richard Powers, a professor at the University of Toronto, in particular.
“THIS IS THE CUT OF THE DRESS”
Canadian Open officials were finally forced to comply with the city’s absurd demands. Fortunately, Sharapova was not removed from the posts completely. Instead, her photo was simply photoshopped, hiding the nipples that excited Canadian puritans. However, they did not succeed everywhere: there was very little time left before the start of the tournament.
fake images
– I would say that we simply missed this moment. This is the cut of this dress. It has a deep neckline,” explained tournament director Stacey Allaster.
However, not all Toronto residents considered this measure significant when they heard about it in the press. The media cites several reviews from readers who call Sharapova’s photo “absolutely innocent” and call the situation “an example of society’s stupidity.” In the same spirit, users once spoke out on forums, ridiculing Professor Powers’ comments in particular. The specialist himself later said that he received many letters with complaints and insults from Toronto residents.
It is curious that the Canadians never saw Sharapova in the tournament. The girl at the last moment refused to go to Canada, continuing preparations for the US Open, which was supposed to start a week later. The athlete referred to health problems: María had pain in her chest muscles. The Russian responded with laughter to the news about the situation of the cartels:
“I never would have thought I could find fault with something like this,” the tennis player smiled.
