Pierce Brosnan apologises for Pan Masala ad, retracts image rights
21-Oct-2016 • Actor News
The controversy over Pierce Brosnan's advertisement for Pan Bahar (known as pan masala), a product that has been associated with bad health and is also blamed for the red-colored spit stains visible in public areas in India, has moved the 007 actor to demand a cease and desist from the manufacturer.
"As a man who has spent decades championing women's healthcare and environmental protection, I was distressed to learn of Pan Bahar's unauthorized and deceptive use of my image to endorse their range of pan masala products," Brosnan said in a statement to People magazine. "I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one's health."
Apparently, Brosnan's contract stated that he was to advertise a "breath freshener/tooth whitener," not pan masala, and that the product would be "all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient."
The former James Bond actor has demanded the manufacturer remove his image from all their products.
He said that Pan Bahar "grossly manipulated" the media and falsely presented him as a brand ambassador for their entire line of products, which was "in violation of my contract."
"Having endured, in my own personal life, the loss of my first wife and daughter as well as numerous friends to cancer, I am fully committed to supporting women's health care and research programs that improve human health and alleviate suffering,” the statement continued.
"I shall endeavor to rectify this matter. In the meantime, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt apologies to all whom I have offended."
