Mulberry's 'blasphemous' handbag Christmas Advert cleared by Advertising Standards Authority

'Guys, it’s just a bag'

In early November, Mulberry launched their Christmas advert for 2015, causing outrage amongst TV viewers.

In the advert, which was accompanied by the hashtag #MulberryMiracle, the nativity story is retold with a red handbag replacing baby Jesus.

The clip centres on a man who has bought his partner the luxury item, which she describes as “absolutely amazing”. All of a sudden, Shepherds knock at the door, asking to hold the gift.

Then three ‘wise men’ straight out of Made in Chelsea enter the disheveled living room, also praising the bag.

42 people complained about the advert, calling it offensive to Christians, but the Advertising Standards Authority cleared it of any wrongdoing.

Mulberry was quick to defend the advert, saying that the man’s comment “Guys, it’s just a bag” was meant to show that there was no comparison to Jesus being made.

The company also said that the Nativity scene was central to British society, and - being a British company - they should be able to use it in a way that ‘reflected the humour of the brand’ and excitement of Christmas.

The Advertising Standards Authority said that the advert “might not be to everyone’s taste” but considered that viewers would likely see it as a light-hearted jab at the “consumerism on Christmas rather than mocking or denigrating Christian belief.”

“Because of that, we considered the ad was unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence,” they added.

It was announced yesterday that Sainsbury’s Mog the cat had won the battle of the Christmas TV adverts this year, according to YouTube views.