After the entire brouhaha surrounding Pierce Brosnan as the brand ambassador of a paan masala brand, the 007 star has announced that the use of his image by Pan Bahar was unauthorised. Yep, almost 2 weeks after his images graced the front page of a top newspaper, the actor told People magazine that he was deceived into believing that he is promoting a “breath freshener/tooth whitener”, which wouldn’t include an ingredient that turns saliva red.
As per his contract, he had reportedly agreed to advertise a single product only, which was presented as “all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient”. His statement further read:
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. I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one’s health.
According to the report in People magazine, the actor feels he has been “grossly manipulated and assured that he had no knowledge that he was endorsing items that would have a negative or painful reaction in India. He said:
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. I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one’s health.
He concluded saying:
I shall endeavor to rectify this matter. In the meantime, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt apologies to all whom I have offended.
Pan Bahar, meanwhile has not released any official statement in response to these allegations. What’s your opinion?