Police in Beijing briefly detained at least two foreigners dressed as Spartan warriors who were taking part in a publicity stunt on the streets of the capital to promote a salad company.
A photograph published in the Beijing Youth Daily shows police restraining the two men on the ground on a pedestrian overpass in the city centre.
Dozens of young foreign men dressed in tight leather shorts and flowing capes took part in the promotion handing out salads to bemused office workers in streets, shopping malls and subway stations in the capital’s business district on Wednesday, the newspaper said.
Police held a number for “disrupting public order” when they ignored several requests to stop working, the report said, without giving details. The promotional campaign in public areas had not been approved by the authorities, the article said.
The stunt in Beijing attracted crowds of passers-by who trailed behind the marching group of “Spartans”.
Their photographs and videos have gone viral on social media in China.
Many of the men taking part in the publicity stunt were male models.
The company, Sweetie Salad, issued a statement apologising for the disruption caused
“After yesterday’s incident, we have come to realise that we lack experience in coordinating major events as a start-up company,” the statement read.
“We have dispelled all misunderstandings with the police.”
The firm said it chose a Spartan theme to “inspire people to be healthy and eat healthily”.
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1843034/sparta-beijing-police-get-hot-under-collar-about-greek-warrior