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Pan Bahar, the famous Indian pan masala brand, created quite a ruckus recently after visuals of its latest advertisement went viral. The commercial aired earlier in the month starred British actor, Pierce Brosnan in his James Bond avatar.
The commercial took the internet by storm and memes sprung up trolling the commercial, and Brosnan, for endorsing the brand.
However, Brosnan has finally chosen to speak on the matter, and it doesn’t look good for Pan Bahar.
Speaking to PEOPLE, the Brit actor revealed that he is “deeply shocked and saddened” about the “deceptive use” of his image by the brand. He further clarified that he was apologetic for his endorsement of the product, consumption of which may cause health issues such as cancer.
Adding that he has the “greatest love and affection for India and its people” Brosnan said he would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one’s health.
Taking aim at Pan Bahar, Brosnan revealed that his contract details that included information that he will advertise a “breath freshener/tooth whitener,” which wouldn’t include an ingredient that turns saliva red.
While also adding that he only agreed to endorse one product and not the brand, which was “all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient.”
He added that Pan Bahar “grossly manipulated” media outlets to falsely present him as a brand ambassador for their entire line of products, something he writes is “in violation of my contract.”
“I shall endeavour to rectify this matter,” the statement concluded. “In the meantime, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt apologies to all whom I have offended.”
In his statement, Brosnan has demanded an apology from Pan Bahar and has asked them to remove his images from their products as he had never accepted to endorse a product that would negatively impact people’s life.
(Source: PEOPLE)
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