Tennessee Pulls Anti-DUI Campaign Critics Called Sexist

The state is apologizing for a controversial anti-DUI campaign after the speaker of the house criticized the federally funded program that some say takes a sexist approach to encouraging young men not to drink and drive.

 

"The Governor's Highway Safety Office would like to apologize for any offense caused by the 100 Days of Summer Heat Booze It and Lose It Campaign," Director Kendell Poole responded in a statement Tuesday afternoon — just one day after The Tennessean inquired who was responsible for the campaign that has stirred controversy across the state.

"The marketing is often edgy and designed to grab the attention of the young male demographic. It was never the intent of the GHSO to be insensitive or insulting to women."

Governor Bill Haslam's spokesman said Tuesday the governor had not seen the ads until they came out.