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Molly Malone's cleavage gets thumbs up as Facebook ban reversed on Dublin author
Molly Malone is no longer 'too sexy' for Facebook.
The image of the beloved Dublin statue, deemed too racy for the social media giant this week, has now been 'reprieved'.
She appeared on the cover of a book - Diary of the Wolf - which Dublin author Frank Whelan (31) wished to advertise on Facebook.
The first-time author did not expect any problems when he submitted the book cover featuring the buxom fishmonger so beloved by Dubliners and tourists alike.
However, Facebook declared Molly's appearance broke its rules on decency.
A Facebook Ads Team member informed the author: "Your ad was rejected because the image doesn't follow our ad policies. Ads may not use overly sexual images, suggest nudity, show a lot of skin or cleavage, or focus unnecessarily on specific body parts."
The author responded by pointing out that statue stands in the middle of one of Dublin's busiest shopping areas.
Despite this, Facebook's replied: "our say on this matter remains unchanged."
However, after being contacted by the Herald, a reply was received the next day stating: "Our rules around nudity are in place to reflect the wide range of people on Facebook.
"We always aim to strike a balance between artistic expression and making sure our global community feels comfortable.
"In reviewing this we made a mistake and quickly restored the advert once it was brought to our attention. We apologise for any inconvenience we caused."
The Herald story whipped up big interest at several radio stations in Ireland.
Sculptor Jeanne Rynhart went on Ray D'Arcy's RTE Radio One show to explain that 17th century Molly would have had a strong physique and good pectoral muscles from pushing a cart of cockles and muscles around the streets of Dublin while not being able to afford sufficient fabric to cover up completely.
"I'm glad Facebook have come to their senses," said the author.
The novel, which is available on Amazon, tells the tale of a Trinity College student who becomes a werewolf. His life suddenly becomes very interesting, but all the student wants to do is pass his exams before the full moon.
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