Universal Pulls Out Of Condom Ad Deal

Posted Tuesday, July 31, 2001 at 12:51 PM Central

by Heather Koehler

Universal Studios and Ansell Healthcare, Inc., maker of Lifestyles Condoms, agreed on a joint-marketing plan for the release of American Pie 2, but at the last minute the studio pulled out of the deal all together.

The deal included a sweepstakes, placement of Lifestyles in the movie and a television commercial featuring both the movie and the condoms. But representatives from Ansell accused the studio of not wanting to be affiliated with a condom company.

Uni denies these allegations and blames the Motion Picture Association of America. All studios who sign with the MPAA must submit their marketing campaigns to the MPAA rating board for approval.

A spokesman from the board says it is policy to not allow condoms in commercials for general audiences. So, it's acceptable fornicate with a pie for audiences but out-of-line to promote doing it safely.

American Pie 2 opens in theaters on August 10th.