Andy Murray TV advert banned as ‘disturbing’ complaints are upheld

Kevin Palmer 28 Feb 2025 4:11 PM

Andy Murray in the Uber Eats advert

Andy Murray’s Uber Eats advert appeared to create a positive stir when it was released in Australia, but it has now been confirmed that he has been taken off air.

Murray had planned to fly to Australia to film the high energy advert before he was asked by Novak Djokovic to be his coach for the first Grand Slam tournament of 2025.

The advert saw Murray answering the door of his hotel and looking surprised by the presence of the Uber Eats delivery man and woman.

When they inform him they have arrived to collect him and not make a delivery, Murray quickly turns on his James Bond mode and runs for safety.

He eventually escapes after jumping through a glass window, with the humorous advert catching plenty of eyes as it was launched around the time of the Australian Open.

Murray declared he had enjoyed making the advert, but the complaints quickly began to flow as the idea that Uber Eats could ‘kidnap’ Murray was criticised.

“Why is kidnapping being promoted as a normal act? It is against the law. The Uber ads will teach children it is ok to kidnap people,” said one social media user.

Another added: “I am very concerned that the violence and criminal behaviour shown, and also heavily suggested, in this series of advertisements is a risk and a danger to the community.

“It is disturbing, unpleasant and uncomfortable to watch, especially seeing the fear and panic depicted by the victim, Andy Murray.”

The complaints were upheld by the as a standards panel in Australia suggested the scenes ‘depicted violent and threatening behaviour’ under two sections of the Australian Association of National Advertisers’ code of ethics.

More Tennis News

Laura Robson weighs in on status of ‘really cool’ Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray partnership

The 6 men to win multiple Qatar Open titles: ft. Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray

In response to the panel’s decision, UberEats commented: “UberEats thanks the Ad Standards Community Panel for its consideration and we acknowledge the valuable role they continue to play to promote responsible advertising.

“We maintain that the scenes broadcast were sufficiently exaggerated for comedic and dramatic effect and that no reasonable viewer would consider them realistic or as an endorsement of unsafe behaviour. Even so, we would like to thank the four members of the community for sharing their perspectives.

“The multi-part series of advertisements follow two delivery people attempting to deliver Andy Murray via the Uber Eats app.

“At the end of the final advertisement, Andy Murray became ‘available for order’ through a competition on the Uber Eats app and the campaign concluded with a meet and greet experience for one app user.

“The advertisements should be considered in the context of this broader storyline played out during the campaign.”

Murray’s trip to Australia ended in disappointment as Djokovic was forced to pull out of the Australian Open due to injury in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

Now the Grand Slam winning duo are set to continue their surprise partnership set to continue over the next few months as Murray is expected to continue to coach Djokovic at the Indian Wells and Miami Open events over the next few weeks.

There is also an expectation that they duo will continue to work together through the French Open in May.