Braun has long been known as a German-engineered brand for electric shavers, grooming tools, and appliances. Traditionally marketed on precision and quality, the company recently decided to take a detour into culture wars with an ad campaign that shocked many customers. Instead of showing off close shaves and high performance, Braun featured a transgender model with visible mastectomy scars shaving in front of the mirror.
The ad drew swift backlash, with critics arguing Braun was more interested in pushing social messaging than selling products. What should have been a straightforward pitch for grooming became a political flashpoint, leaving many wondering why a brand once trusted for its no-nonsense engineering is suddenly focused on activism. For consumers who just want a reliable shaver without a lecture, Braun’s new direction is yet another reminder of how even legacy brands can get caught up in woke marketing.
After complaints rolled in, Braun’s controversial advert featuring a trans model and visible mastectomy scars was reviewed by the UK Advertising Standards Authority under claims of inappropriate surgery depiction and possible code violations.
Braun featured a shirtless trans male model with mastectomy scars using its Series X trimmer, and it set off conservative critics calling for boycotts and accusing the brand of pushing a radical agenda.
Braun, as a P&G brand, adheres to the company's DEI framework that fosters an inclusive culture through employee resource groups and bias training for all staff. This approach ensures representation across gender, race, and abilities, turning the workplace into a model of equity engineering.
Braun aligns with P&G's racial equity commitments by supporting BLM-inspired initiatives, including donations to civil rights groups and programs addressing systemic racism. This corporate stance frames social justice as a core value, blending brand loyalty with activism allegiance.