New Benetton Ads Feature Obama/Chavez Makeout Session

By Michael Lopez

We're not quite sure what Benetton's latest ads have to do with selling clothes, but they certainly are attention grabbing. The famous fashion house has decided to get political with their new campaign, by releasing doctored photos of world leaders locking lips.

The ad that seems to have gotten the most attention showcases a passionate kiss between Barack Obama and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. We've got to admit, the Photoshop skills being used here are pretty impressive, but they're also causing a whirlwind of controversy.

The White House has already spoken out against the ads, criticizing Benetton for using the President to sell their products.

"The White House has a longstanding policy disapproving of the use of the president's name and likeness for commercial purposes," D.C. spokesman Eric Schultz said.

Several other nations seem to be irked by the campaign too. Besides the Obama/Chavez pairing, Benetton has shown smooch shots between France's Nicolas Sarkozy and Germany's Angela Merkel, as well as Pope Benedict XVI and Egypt's Mohamed Ahmed el-Tayeb.

What do you think about Benetton's new ad campaign? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Benetton, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Hugo Chavez, Mohamed Ahmed el-Tayeb, Nicolas Sarkozy, Politics, Pope Benedict XVI, popnews, President Obama, Style, United Colors of Benetton