Kerry Katona’s latest television venture has been banned from TV screens by the UK advertising watchdog.
The former singer’s advert for payday loans company Cash Lady was branded “irresponsible” and “could have influenced vulnerable viewers that high interest loans could help them live a champagne-fuelled celebruty lifestyle”, the Huffington Post reports the watchdog as ruling.
Kerry herself has had a series of financial difficulties and she did admit it was ironic for her to be advising people on saving and spending.
“I think a lot to do with all this kerfuffle is that controversy seems to follow me around wherever I go,” Katona wrote in a blog for the UK website, “and I’m sure the irony of me giving out financial advice isn’t lost on anyone who knows even a little bit about me and my life.”
“But I can hold my head up high,” she continued, “I’m paying off my debts and the one thing I know now more than anything is how to make ends meet for me and my family. And every now and again for people like me when emergencies come up that might mean getting a short-term payday loan.”
Kerry’s ad was branded “irresponsible”
The ad involves Katona smiling at the camera, saying: “We’ve all had money troubles at some point, I know I have.
“You could see your bank and fill in loads of forms, but there is an easier way to get a loan… So if you need extra cash go to [website]. Fast cash for fast lives.”
The advertising watchdog said Kerry’s references to her own financial problems in the ad, “had the potential to encourage vulnerable viewers with financial problems and/or restricted credit from seeking to resolve them through the payday loan service”.
