Shy Bladder Group Has a Problem with Rob Lowe’s DirecTV Ads

Let me answer your burning questions right off the bat: yes, that headline says “shy bladder group,” yes, that is a real thing, and yes, they are actually upset with actor Rob Lowe over that DirecTV ad where Rob Lowe tells you to be like cool Rob Lowe and not like painfully awkward Rob Lowe. Yeah, you’ve all see that ad, and so has the International Paruresis Association.

“Paruresis” is a specific kind of phobia which keeps certain people from using the bathroom when other people are inside. Painfully awkward Rob Lowe mentions this is a problem for him, and the IPA is not happy about it.

CEO Steve Soifer explained, “We don’t mind if people have a little fun with it. It’s a situation that a lot of people don’t understand. In this particular case, the portrayal is making it look ridiculous, that this guy is a loser for having a problem.”

He complained that it would be like making fun of someone missing limbs. DirecTV isn’t planning on pulling the ads, and Lowe already responded on Twitter with some incredulity:

"@Johnny_L0we: http://t.co/wQu3SYJhai …@RobLowe please tell me you have seen this." Son, there are those who really need to lighten up.

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) November 4, 2014

For those wondering, my bladder is gregarious.

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) November 4, 2014

You can watch the ad here, via DirecTV:

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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