Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Ad Starring Nikki Glazer Banned in the UK

A Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 advert starring comedian Nikki Glazer has been banned in the UK. The Advertising Standards Authority upheld viewer complaints that the ad trivialised sexual violence, and Activision is now on the wrong end of a formal ruling.

The commercial centres on an airport security scene. A man is told to strip during screening, and the ad then implies that Glazer intends to perform an unnecessary search of his anal cavity. Glazer and actor Peter Stormare play replacement security agents, the joke being that the airport's regular staff are too busy playing Black Ops 7 to do their jobs.

Activision pushed back on the ruling. The publisher argued the scenario was clearly implausible, leaning into the absurdist humour of the whole setup. The ASA didn't buy it, though, and the complaints were upheld.

As reported by the BBC, the regulator determined the ad crossed a line regardless of its comedic intent.

It's worth noting Glazer is no stranger to boundary-pushing material. Her stand-up regularly goes to uncomfortable places on purpose. Whether this particular joke landed or not is one thing, but the ASA's position is that the framing trivialises something serious, full stop.

For Activision, this is an awkward bit of press during what should be a straightforward promotional cycle for Black Ops 7. The ad won't air in the UK again.