'Expose' what? Outrage erupts over daring real estate agency ad on busy road
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Content warning: This article explicitly mentions flashing, which some readers may find distressing. Discretion is advised.
In the bustling streets of North Sydney, a real estate advertisement has sparked a fiery debate.
The advertisement, which boldly encourages businesses to 'expose yourself', has left the community divided over its cheeky play on words.
The sign in question is prominently displayed on the fence of a vacant lot in Sydney's Neutral Bay, passed by approximately 50,000 cars daily.
It features a man, seen from behind, wearing dark socks, dark shoes, and a trench coat held open as though 'flashing' someone.
The provocative imagery, coupled with the command to 'expose yourself', has stirred up a storm of criticism.
Mosman community member Stacey Edmonds was among the first to voice her disapproval, arguing that the advertisement trivialises sexual aggression.
'I know they probably think this is clever and funny. But it’s not,' she wrote on the Mosman Living Facebook group.
'Flashing is a criminal offence as it is proven to be a “gateway violent act”.'
Flashing, also known as 'obscene exposure', refers to instances wherein people expose their genitalia in a public place.
Edmonds also took to LinkedIn to express her concern, stating that 'flashing isn't a trivial matter' to be made light of.
'It’s a sexual offence, and importantly, experts warn it leads to escalating crimes against women because it is an act of sexual aggression, not a “get-it-out-and-shake-it-all-about-willy-joke”,' Edmonds added.
Edmonds' posts ignited a heated debate about the advertisement's appropriateness, with some arguing that it has achieved its intended purpose: to provoke a reaction.
However, others agreed with Edmonds, stating that the reference to flashing was inappropriate for a public space.
'I can think of several situations where men have exposed themselves to me in public; this one is by far the nicest!' one replied.
'This is not clever advertising. It is desperate. If you need to sink that low, then rethink your advertising agency,' another commented.
The advertisement was placed by Prosel, a boutique online real estate agency.
Abdul Moussalli, the Director and Owner of Prosel, defended the advertisement, noting that he never had any issues with the image before.
'I’ve used that particular background in a different way, on a digital screen in one of my offices and on a major road in Kingsgrove,' he said.
He also shared that he has received positive feedback about the sign board.
'I’m sorry if she feels offended, but it’s not meant to offend anyone, it’s just business marketing,' he said.
'It’s saying expose your business at this address, expose yourself at this location for business exposure. If you know the location, you know it’s passed by tens of thousands of cars each day.'
Moussalli added that he did not have to get any approval for the sign because it placed 'on our fence'.
Edmonds allegedly sent a message to Moussalli requesting him to get rid of the sign.
'Best case scenario the space is rented and the ad is removed,' Edmonds wrote.
'If the ad is not removed by Friday…I will make a formal complaint.'
Mousalli only repeated his apology and said that in the two months it has been standing, this is the first time it has ever received backlash.
'No one has ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, said anything about that photo.'
What are your thoughts on this controversial advertisement, members? Has it crossed the line, or is it just a clever marketing ploy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
In the bustling streets of North Sydney, a real estate advertisement has sparked a fiery debate.
The advertisement, which boldly encourages businesses to 'expose yourself', has left the community divided over its cheeky play on words.
The sign in question is prominently displayed on the fence of a vacant lot in Sydney's Neutral Bay, passed by approximately 50,000 cars daily.
It features a man, seen from behind, wearing dark socks, dark shoes, and a trench coat held open as though 'flashing' someone.
A controversial advertisement on a busy North Sydney road sparks a debate on social media. Image source: Facebook / Stacey Edmonds.
The provocative imagery, coupled with the command to 'expose yourself', has stirred up a storm of criticism.
Mosman community member Stacey Edmonds was among the first to voice her disapproval, arguing that the advertisement trivialises sexual aggression.
'I know they probably think this is clever and funny. But it’s not,' she wrote on the Mosman Living Facebook group.
'Flashing is a criminal offence as it is proven to be a “gateway violent act”.'
Flashing, also known as 'obscene exposure', refers to instances wherein people expose their genitalia in a public place.
Edmonds also took to LinkedIn to express her concern, stating that 'flashing isn't a trivial matter' to be made light of.
'It’s a sexual offence, and importantly, experts warn it leads to escalating crimes against women because it is an act of sexual aggression, not a “get-it-out-and-shake-it-all-about-willy-joke”,' Edmonds added.
Edmonds' posts ignited a heated debate about the advertisement's appropriateness, with some arguing that it has achieved its intended purpose: to provoke a reaction.
However, others agreed with Edmonds, stating that the reference to flashing was inappropriate for a public space.
'I can think of several situations where men have exposed themselves to me in public; this one is by far the nicest!' one replied.
'This is not clever advertising. It is desperate. If you need to sink that low, then rethink your advertising agency,' another commented.
The advertisement was placed by Prosel, a boutique online real estate agency.
Abdul Moussalli, the Director and Owner of Prosel, defended the advertisement, noting that he never had any issues with the image before.
'I’ve used that particular background in a different way, on a digital screen in one of my offices and on a major road in Kingsgrove,' he said.
He also shared that he has received positive feedback about the sign board.
'I’m sorry if she feels offended, but it’s not meant to offend anyone, it’s just business marketing,' he said.
'It’s saying expose your business at this address, expose yourself at this location for business exposure. If you know the location, you know it’s passed by tens of thousands of cars each day.'
Moussalli added that he did not have to get any approval for the sign because it placed 'on our fence'.
Edmonds allegedly sent a message to Moussalli requesting him to get rid of the sign.
'Best case scenario the space is rented and the ad is removed,' Edmonds wrote.
'If the ad is not removed by Friday…I will make a formal complaint.'
Mousalli only repeated his apology and said that in the two months it has been standing, this is the first time it has ever received backlash.
'No one has ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, said anything about that photo.'
