Inflatable ‘gay best friend’

Pitched to online shoppers as an “ideal gift for hen nights, birthdays and Christmas stockings,” UK based online store Tesco Direct has removed an ‘inflatable gay best friend’ toy from its website after being deemed offensive.

The item, which was available through a third-party seller, came with the description: “Your inflatable g*y best friend is ready to give you fashion advice, tell you if your bum looks big and b**ch about everyone who doesn’t wear Jimmy Choos.”

Tesco came under fire from social media users criticising the fact that the word ‘gay’ was changed to ‘g*y’, as if the word was offensive or rude.

The item is available for sale on Amazon.co.uk, along with a ‘grow your own gay best friend’ this time described as follows:

“Can’t find the perfect friend to patiently listen to all your problems and give you advice!? Well here he is!! Once fully inflated this PVC doll stands at 50cm tall and looks like the perfect gay best friend.

“Everyone knows someone who is in need of a caring, stylish and funny friend!!! This is a hilarious gift! All of you girlies out there would love to have someone to patiently listen to you and give you advice.

“All you need to do is blow him up and you will instantly have a new gay best friend! He loves to shop, loves to dance, always listens to you.”