Dettol issues an apology after a promotional advertisement in China triggers backlash over the message it conveys about gender and relationships. The campaign includes a storyline in which a man seeks a partner described as “not tainted by other men,” a line that critics interpret as promoting sexist stereotypes. Media reports say the ad leads to accusations that it unfairly frames men or masculinity in a negative way, and sparks discussion online in China about whether the messaging targets “toxic men” in a manner that is discriminatory. Following the criticism, Dettol apologises for the impact of the advertisement, acknowledging that the content has been received negatively by some audiences. The reports from different outlets describe the same sequence: the ad’s release, the public reaction, and Dettol’s subsequent apology. The company does not appear to be contesting the concerns in detail in the coverage, but instead responds by expressing regret over the outcome of the campaign.