Tech giant Apple removes lesbian couple from international advertisements

Apple has been accused of removing a lesbian couple from an international version of its Mother’s Day advertisement.

The video, which was “a tribute to all mothers through the eyes of iPhone users worldwide,” featured a number of shots of parents with children which was published on May 1.

However, inconsistencies were pointed out when French magazine Jeanne noticed a lesbian couple present in the Australian, English, Mexican and Canadian versions were left out of the French and German versions, among others.

Instead, the latter versions depict an image of one of the women only.

The couple, Melanie and Vanessa Roy, posted an image of themselves with their children earlier this month on Instagram, telling followers “the Roy tribe was lucky enough to be part of an Apple commercial.”

French fans of the couple were quick to express their apologies.

“I am so embarrassed for the stupid French team from Apple,  I am a French follower and am truly inspired by your beautiful family,” one user wrote.

“I don’t understand why people are so afraid to show reality,” another commented.

The couple publish a blog, Mommy Squared.

They have written earlier posts urging people “to stop and think before passing judgement on different families.”

“We are not all the same and that’s what makes the world go round.”

The original advertisement, which has been posted to YouTube, has been viewed more than 4 million times.

Apple has been contacted for comment.