An Aberdeen nightclub has come under fire from a university student president after it sent out a shocking text telling students they may have a sexually transmitted disease.
The message, sent by Underground Klub, warned everyone on their mailing list that one of their partners had a sexually transmitted disease, before adding that they were just joking.
The outrageous message was designed as a PR stunt to raise awareness of the club’s Jager Rocks event.
However it has since been criticised by one of the city’s student leaders.
Commenting on the text, Emily Beever – student president at Aberdeen University – said: “Well firstly it’s hardly a great selling point – if you’re reduced to selling your club with liaisons leading to STDs it seems to me you’re in need of a new marketing strategy.
“It’s been quite upsetting and insensitive for some students, and many of the student body were left anxious by it.
“I think also the fact that it was a text sent to people and it seemed like it was genuine is an issue – it wasn’t perhaps in the best taste.
“We’re trying to get the message across that if students are worried they may have contracted an STD there are free testing kits available from the association building.”
The club has also come under fire from sexual health campaigners.
Speaking to the BBC, Jules Hillier, deputy chief executive of Brook Sexual Health Charity said: “I’m not sure why a club would want to associate itself with such an unfunny ‘joke’.
“The young people of Aberdeen would be far better served by good quality sex and relationships education”.
However, the club has defended the text, claiming it was intended to be humorous.
John Paul McGivney, general manager, said: “The text message to promote our new Sunday night was sent out to bring a smile to people’s faces whilst facing the sub-zero temperatures in the north-east, we are glad if it has helped to accidentally raise awareness about sexual health.”