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.
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.Statement by Pierce Brosnan
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.”
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 healthcare and research programs that improve human health and alleviate suffering.Statement by Pierce Brosnan
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.”
Pan Bahar Using My Image Falsely, Says Brosnan
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.
I shall endeavour to rectify this matter... In the meantime, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt apologies to all whom I have offended.Statement by Pierce Brosnan
(Source: PEOPLE)
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