A group dedicated to raising awareness about “shy bladder syndrome” is trying to censor Rob Lowe’s DirecTV advertisement.
The International Paruresis Association is blowing the whistle on the ad, which features a “painfully awkward Rob Lowe” who has cable instead of DirecTV and admittedly “can’t go [to the bathroom] with other people in the room.”
According to the association’s website, “Paruresis” affects certain individuals by making it “difficult or impossible [for them] to urinate in the presence of others, either in their own home or in public facilities.”
Alas, the organization is fighting back at the DirecTV spot because it pokes too much fun at the condition.
“We don’t mind if people have a little fun with it,” explained CEO of the association Steve Soifer. “It’s a situation that a lot of people don’t understand. In this particular case, the portrayal is making it look ridiculous, that this guy is a loser for having a problem.”
“What if he didn’t have a leg or an arm?” continued Soifer. “Are you going to make fun of them?”
Despite attempts by the group to get the advertisement removed, a DirecTV spokesman insisted that “the ads will continue to run.”
And, DirecTV wasn’t the only one to respond to the pushback from the “shy bladder syndrome” defenders.
Behold Rob Lowe’s response, via Twitter:
“@Johnny_L0we: http://t.co/wQu3SYJhai …@RobLowe please tell me you have seen this.” Son, there are those who really need to lighten up.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) November 4, 2014
For those wondering, my bladder is gregarious.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) November 4, 2014
According to the organization, about seven percent of Americans suffer from Paruresis.
Watch the full DirecTV advertisement below.
H/T Mediaite
