Valley Metro OKs 'explicit' ads; but retailer pulls them

Three of four ads deemed to be "sexually explicit" by Valley Metro earlier this week have been approved for display on light-rail systems across the Valley.

But they won't appear on light-rail cars anytime soon.

My Sister's Closet, the retailer behind the ads, decided to pull the entire package because Valley Metro wouldn't approve all four, according to Ann Siner, My Sister's Closet co-owner.

The ad at issue featured a leather boot accompanied by the words "Make A Booty Call." In a letter to Siner on Friday, Valley Metro CEO Stephen Banta said the ad was not appropriate for display on a community asset.

Susan Tierney, a Valley Metro spokeswoman, echoed Banta's claim, stating the other three ads clearly have more than one meaning.

Despite initial objections, Valley Metro has approved the ads featuring: a chest of drawers and the words "Buy a Bigger Chest"; a woman's shoe alongside "Sell Your Sole"; and a small nightstand with the text "Wanted: One Night Stand."

See the ads

Jason Rose, a public-relations representative for My Sister's Closet, said Valley Metro's decision is laughable: It doesn't make sense to take away one ad when each is equally explicit.

"You can't have a one night stand without a booty call," Rose said.

Siner called the decision "uptight." She said the ads are running all over San Diego without complaint.

"They're all so innocuous," Siner said.

Siner said My Sister's Closet wants the whole ad package to be displayed or none at all.

The retailer's decision to retract the ads will cost Valley Metro $60,000.

Tierney said it would "not impact or affect our operations whatsoever," adding that, despite losing the contract with My Sister's Closet, Valley Metro still feels it have a good relationship with the company.

Siner said Banta was "very kind" and apologetic about the situation in a meeting Friday, but he also made it clear that a "booty call" ad would not be approved while he was in office.

People can still see the ads around town on billboards and on select smart cars.

"They aren't going away," Siner said.