Consent Advert Removed Following Backlash
Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 5:08 am – 7:48 am AEST
An Irish advertisement promoting consent, created by the We-Consent campaign, was removed from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s website following public criticism. The Department of Justice stated the video was deemed inappropriate and counterproductive.
What happened
- The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) produced a short video as part of its We-Consent campaign.
- The video, featuring a narrator stating "Not everyone wants a hug.
- Even from the people who love them. Maybe.
- Absolutely.", was removed from the DRCC website following online backlash.
- Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland’s Justice Minister, described the video as "inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents" and stated it did not represent government views.
- Alan Shatter, a former Justice Minister, labelled the video "Halloweenesque, disgusting, ageist".
- Gavin Pepper, an independent councillor, expressed concern about the video’s impact on the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.
- Gareth Scahill, a Fine Gael Senator, questioned the use of public funds.
- The Department of Justice confirmed the video’s removal to allow for a review by the DRCC, explaining that the videos were created by volunteers at a low cost and were not part of a government advertising campaign.
- The DRCC stated the advert was based on the idea that boundaries should be respected and would reflect on the video’s effectiveness.
Original reporting
- Sky News: Hugging grandparents consent advert taken down after backlash
2026-10-22T19:08:00+00:00 - GB News: 'Demeaning' advert telling grandparents to get consent before hugging grandchildren removed after sparking fury
2026-10-22T21:48:13+00:00