Esther Rantzen hits out at the Gillette #MeToo ad saying it 'tars all men with same brush'

Dame Esther Rantzen accused Gillette’s controversial new advert of creating resentment and stating it "tars all men with the same brush".

The advert plays on the shaving brand’s ‘The Best a Man Can Get’ slogan, switching it to the ‘The Best Men Can Be’ as it highlighted sexual harassment.

It has prompted heated debate online with Dame Esther the latest celebrity to comment on it in a letter to The Times newspaper.

The 78-year-old television presenter and Childline founder said it was wrong to stereotype and blame one gender.

She added that her experience working with the charity has shown girls can be as "equally unpleasant" as boys.

She wrote that it is true "that in some countries men have created regimes that repress women and use sexual violence against them."

"But to bring about the changes for the creation of equal societies we need strong, empowered men and women to work together," she said.

"Adverts such as Gillette's set men and women against each other and create resentment."

It also "tars all men with same brush", she stated.

Others criticising the advert included Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan.

The former newspaper editor called it "virtue-signalling PC guff" as he threatened to use another brand of razors.

However, some defended the advert, and Coronation Street actress Nicola Thorp said the ad: “Focuses on changing the behaviour of men who have engaged in sexual assault, harassment, discrimination and violence.”

The advert shows news coverage of the Me Too movement and instances of sexism in films as well as mocked up real-life scenarios.

It also quotes actor Terry Crews, who said: “Men need to hold other men accountable.”

Gillette said the aim of the promotion was to challenge stereotypes and how the company will also donate one million US dollars, around £776,000 at the current rate, per year to non-profit organisations with similar aims.