Lane Bryant releases ABC memo detailing rejection of Cacique ads

Columbus, Ohio Lane Bryant released a memorandum from ABC related to the television network’s rejecting Lane Bryant’s Cacique ad from a number of programs, including “Dancing With the Stars.”

The memo dated April 9, specified the exact programming/time periods that the ad was restricted from, specifying such shows as “Extreme Makeover,” “Home Edition,” “Wipeout,” “Dancing With the Stars,” “America's Funniest Videos,” and “Game Shows."

Lane Bryant has said there was no rationale for its ads to be relegated to the “back of the bus” as they were no more risque than those of Victoria’s Secret. The plus-sized apparel retailer noted that the only difference was the “size of our models.”

"ABC's statement that 'Lane Bryant was treated absolutely no differently than any advertiser for the same product' is simply not true,” a Lane Bryant spokesman said. “It was only after we got the rejection and raised the fact that they were operating under a double standard that they reluctantly agreed to put us in the last pod of the program.”