‘I was used as an example’: Rosie Connolly talks ASAI ruling
In late June, the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) upheld a complaint made against blogger Rosie Connolly.
It was claimed that the 28-year-old had filtered and photoshopped an image uploaded to Instagram.
The photograph was promoting a product sponsored by the makeup brand Rimmel.
The social media star has remained tight lipped about the ASAI ruling – until now.
Previously, Rosie stated the image in question had been approved by the makeup giant.
Rimmel Ireland however, took down the post as “it did not reflect their values as a brand.”
Nevertheless, they added that there was never an intent for it to be misleading.
Now, the blogger said she felt that she had been made an example of by the Advertising watchdog.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Rosie said she didn't blame the ASAI for their ruling, but did agree when asked if she felt they made her an example.
“Yeah, I do. I think they have to I suppose, that’s their position," said the blogger.
“Back when it happened I actually explained my position and how it all came about. I wasn’t going to relive the whole thing again when they came out with the ruling.
“But yeah, I don’t blame them for it. I think that’s just the way it goes. There are plenty of people who have broken rules or done things that were frowned upon by the ASAI but obviously my complaint was upheld, that’s fine.”
The blogger delved into the reason why she decided to stay quiet after the complaint was upheld.
Rosie felt she had been honest with her followers before the ASAI made their ruling and didn't want to relive the past.
“I came out and I explained exactly what happened, I was very open and honest when it all happened so when [the ruling] came out recently I wasn’t going to go through the whole thing again.
"Anyone who has followed me for that long already knows the story so I thought there was no point in bringing it up again."
However, Rosie added that she respects the ASAI's conclusion and why they did it.
“I suppose they have to and I respect their guidelines, I respect what they have to do to make a point," she explained.
“So yeah, I do feel like I was used as an example but I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with that.”
The ASAI’s Complaints Committee stated after they chose to uphold the decision, that:
“All involved in the production of marketing communications that care should be taken so that the use of pre- and post-production techniques did not mislead about the attributes of the product being advertised.”
It will be interesting to see if further complaints of this nature will be ruled in the same way, and how that could impact the Instagram bloggers and brands who sponsor them.
