Fashion Report

Eva Menendes Defends Racy Lingerie Ad

January 21, 2010

The actor's latest billboard ad for the fashion firm has temperatures rising....

Calvin Klein, Eva Mendes, LingerieA very sexy, provocative new Calvin Klein billboard featuring Eva Mendes is stirring up controversy.

Actor Eva Mendes has blasted religious critics of her raunchy Calvin Klein lingerie ad, insisting the semi-naked poster is "tasteful and beautiful."

The actor's latest billboard ad for the fashion firm has temperatures rising, particularly a poster in New York City that shows the half-naked star sprawled across an entire city block.

Calvin Klein's eye popping ads are nothing new.  In June, he pulled an orgy-themed ad after taking heat from neighbors and a Christian advocacy group.

Critics have protested and want the poster pulled down, but Mendes insists they're wrong.

"It's a religious group that has a problem with the image," said Mendes, who is currently filming The Other Guys, also starring Mark Wahlberg (former Calvin Klein model), Will Ferrell, Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne Johnson .

"That's what I love about this country. We can voice our opinions and beliefs like that. But they're wrong. I don't think I'm traumatising any children. I think it's a really tasteful and beautiful ad."

Controversy and Calvin Klein ads are nothing news.  Recall a teen Brooke Shields, holding her lapels and declaring that "nothing" comes between her and her Calvins.

Fast forward to the 90s and a waifish Kate Moss, "heroin chic" and those bleak, strange "Obsession" fragrance ads.

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