American Apparel Ad: Drama in the U.K.

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- American Apparel(APP Quote) has exported is unique brand of corporate drama to the United Kingdom.

A risqué ad showing a barely-clad model who appeared to be under the age of 16 was banned today by the Advertising Standards Authority in the U.K., The Guardian reported.

The ad appeared in Vice magazine, which targets the 18- to 34-year-olds.

Earlier this year, American Apparel was the center of controversy for its advertisements when actor/director Woody Allen sued the retailer for the use of his image in an ad campaign. Its ads in the United States have long stoked controversy for their use of overly provocative images.

American Apparel paid Allen $5 million hours before the suit was to go to trial.

-- Reported by Jeanine Poggi in New York.