Molly Baz, a prominent figure in the culinary world and a millennial icon, has recently broadened her focus to include nutrition for parents and infants, particularly following her pregnancy. In May, she participated in a campaign for the breastfeeding startup Swehl, showcasing a unique recipe for lactation cookies. In a lighthearted ad, she posed in her underwear and a rhinestone bikini, humorously holding oat cookies with cherry jam in front of her exposed belly, complementing the tagline: “Just Add Milk.”
Shortly before Mother’s Day, a striking 45-foot digital billboard featuring her image was launched in Times Square, only to be removed shortly afterward. Clear Channel Outdoor, the ad network responsible, stated that the ad violated their content guidelines.
Feeling surprised by the ad’s removal, Baz took to Instagram to express her disbelief, sharing images of various lingerie advertisements still visible in Times Square. She pointed out the discrepancy by highlighting how lingerie ads featuring non-pregnant models were allowed, sarcastically noting, “Bring on the lingerie so long as it satiates the male gaze.”
This situation underscores ongoing discussions regarding societal perceptions of motherhood and body representation in advertising. The contrast between how pregnant bodies and lingerie models are treated highlights a need for broader acceptance of diverse body types in public media.
In a hopeful twist, this incident may pave the way for more inclusive advertising practices that embrace the realities of pregnancy and parenting. It encourages a dialogue that champions authenticity and supports the notion that all body types deserve visibility and respect in media campaigns.