'Skins' too spicy for Taco Bell ads

Posted January 20, 2011 10:00 pm

Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Taco Bell has decided MTV's new series "Skins" is too spicy and pulled its ads from the teen drama.

Critics say the show glamorizes promiscuous sex, drug use and drinking. It is based on a hit British series of the same name.

Taco Bell advertised on the show's debut this week. But spokesman Rob Poetsch says the chain has decided "Skins" ''is not a fit" for the brand. Taco Bell is shifting its ads to other MTV programs that draw Taco Bell's core customer group of 18- to 34-year-olds.

The show's critics include the Parents Television Council, where communications and public education director Melissa Henson applauded Taco Bell. She said the chain risked tarnishing its brand.

Taco Bell is owned by Yum Brands Inc., which is based in Louisville.

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