Bumble Removes Ads Mocking Celibacy After Women Campaigned Against Them

Bumble has issued an apology for its distasteful billboards.

If you didn't know by now, the dating platform enraged women with its campaign mocking celibacy and promoting promiscuity. One billboard read, "You know full well a vow of celibacy is not the answer," as if women haven't had enough of men trying to use their bodies for their gain. Another said, "Thou shalt not give up on dating and become a nun." What's wrong with becoming a nun? At this point, I kind of want to be one. These apps and corporations are starting to radicalize me.

Anyway, following an intense backlash from frustrated women, Bumble issued a public apology. "We made a mistake. Our ads referencing celibacy were an attempt to lean into a community frustrated by modern dating, and instead of bringing joy and humor, we unintentionally did the opposite," the company wrote on Instagram.

"Some of the perspectives we heard were: from those who shared that celibacy is the only answer when reproductive rights are continuously restricted; from others for whom celibacy is a choice, one that we respect; and from the asexual community, for whom celibacy can have a particular meaning and importance, which should not be diminished," they continued. "We are also aware that, for many, celibacy may be brought on by harm or trauma."

According to CBS News, Bumble announced that they're eliminating the anti-celibacy messages from its global marketing and donating to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and other groups aiding marginalized communities.

The women in the comment section feel that it's a little too late for an apology. "You leaned into MEN'S frustrations," wrote @polskirriquena. "Make campaigns that teach men to be BETTER. Maybe they'll EARN the sexual intercourse they so desire."

"Lol too little too late. U obviously knew when u hire incels to make ur marketing campaign that the ads would be degrading, insulting, disrespectful, and demeaning to us but u did it neway," added @katiegambino.

Instagram user @emirecki wrote a thoughtful comment on the post about her dating experience and why she's been abstaining. "I don’t like modern dating apps because every time I go on a date that’s going 'well' and we’re getting along, the man almost without fail thinks that if it’s going well, he can start progressing with physical advancements and then they find it super awkward that I don’t want someone I met 3 hours ago trying to kiss me," she says. "It’s not just your app, but modern dating in general isn’t meshing well with women’s boundaries or expectations or ideas of how relationships work or progress. Too many men see it as a catalogue for their physical desires and it’s tiring so we’ve been abstaining until some guy feels worth our mental or physical investment 🤷🏻‍♀️ I want a relationship but I’ve been single by choice because the men on the market at 32 aren’t what I hoped for."

Are we finally witnessing the downfall of dating apps? I sure hope so, for the sake of women's safety and well-being.

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