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New York department store Bloomingdale's has come under fire for a Christmas advert that appeared to encourage men to spike their female friends' drinks.

The advert, which appeared in the shop's Christmas catalogue, includes a picture of a man staring at a woman, accompanied by the words: “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.”

Since the image was posted online the store has faced a backlash on Twitter, with hundreds of people complaining. Some branded the advert "atrocious" and "beyond vile".

Hey @Bloomingdales why ya trying to dress up rape as desirable and Christmassy? — alice w (@alicewickenden) November 11, 2015

Hannah Marsh tweeted: "Nothing says 'Merry Christmas' like date rape."

While Deirdre Walsh posted: "Now that's just creepy - I pity the models who've had their faces put to that."

And Sophie Robinson said: "because who doesn't want to be date raped for Xmas. Cannot believe no one at the ad company thought this was wrong."

In case it needs saying, DO NOT SPIKE YOUR BEST FRIEND'S EGGNOG. OR ANYONE'S EGGNOG. OR ANYONE'S DRINKS. EVER. #Bloomingdales — Jack Monroe (@DrJackMonroe) November 11, 2015

@DrJackMonroe because who doesn't want to be date raped for Xmas. Cannot believe no one at the ad company thought this was wrong — Sophie Robinson (@FatTabby76) November 11, 2015

Some twitter users have also likened the advert to Robin Thicke's controversial music video for the song Blurred Lines, which was accused of promoting rape.

Orthers have called for the store to donate some of its Christmas profits to rape charities in order to make amends.

Bloomingdale’s later issued an apology for the advert, admitting that it was "inappropriate" and "in poor taste."

On Twitter, the official store account posted: “We heard your feedback about our catalogue copy, which was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdale's sincerely apologises.”