BEECHWORTH Sweet Co owner Sally McGregor will change her television ad featuring a golliwog after it was deemed racist by the Advertising Standards Bureau last week.
Ms McGregor, who purchased the business in 2014, said the golliwog had been part of the Beechworth Sweet Co’s logo for many years.
“I apologise to those for whom the ad caused offence. It was never my intention,” Ms McGregor said.
“I have been overwhelmed at the emotion this ruling has released, on both sides of the discussion. I can see it from both groups’ point of view – there are people who clearly love their golliwogs and are upset about being considered a racist.
“And there are also people who see the golliwog as a racist symbol and offensive. I believe people are entitled to their opinion and I will comply with the Bureau’s ruling,” she said.
Ms McGregor acknowledged the support she had received via email, phone calls and through Facebook messages.
“The decision has been made by the Advertising Standards Bureau. If I wish to continue advertising on TV my advertisement must change, and that is a process I am working through at the moment,” she said.
