Virgin believes it can fly...

In a recent media statement, Virgin Mobile states that it never intended to offend anyone and is dismayed by the recent outcry. "However," says Nicholas Maweni, 'public pleaser' at Virgin Mobile SA, "we are heartened and reassured by the support we have received from the public in general and the Advertising Standard Authority of South Africa. The television advert is part of a broader media campaign and therefore is a commitment that we made prior to launch. We have been assured by many quarters that there is nothing in the advert that in any way insults nor offends any religion. We have therefore decided not to pull the advert and hope that it will continue to draw a lot of interest and entertain the public."