In early 2003, a commercial for the Video and DVD compilation The Best of 2DTV was banned by the BACC. The commercial depicted George W. Bush taking the video out of its case and putting it in a toaster. BACC stated that advertisements for products cannot appear to be endorsed by someone without their permission - in this case George W. Bush.

‘So we have to ask George Bush’s permission?’
‘Yes’ ( BACC, smug)
‘And this a blanket law – it applies to absolutely everyone in the world.’
‘Yes – it’s to protect us all, how would you feel if someone used an image of you in an advert without your permission?!’ ( BACC, smugger still)
‘Well. We’re now going to make an advert featuring Osama Bin Laden to promote the DVD – so you’re telling us we have to get his permission?’
‘Er… Yes.’
‘ Okay – I’ve got some papers to ring’ ( 2DTV, smug)

The absurd ban caused outrage and a huge media backlash. The story featured on all the major news channels and made international headlines and even featured in the papers in Iraq.


The BACC’s decision was later overturned on the grounds that the commercial was legitimate satire, and the commercial was shown unedited. The controversy generated more interest in the show than the adverts could ever have done alone.

The original advert was reworked into a sketch in which Bush writes a letter complaining about his portrayal in the media as a moron, then "posts" the letter in a toaster.