Jackie Chan has made a name for himself over the years, working in the film industry all around the world. He started his acting career at around age, and years after working in the film industry, he finally decided to try his luck in Hollywood as well. While things did not seem in his favor at first, things changed after his breakout with the buddy cop movie Rush Hour. And with the growing stardom, the brands also started approaching the action star for endorsements.
Chan also got loads of offers for endorsing their products. However, it all backfired on the action star after he got engaged with too many local brands, which did not live up to their reputation and did not fulfill what they claimed to offer.
Jackie Chan Got in Trouble For His Endorsements
It is not uncommon for celebrities to land big endorsements as they become successful and get more popular. While some stay limited to endorsing and promoting these products, others also go on to start their own ventures. The Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds is also known to do the same, as he is making a fortune not only with his on-screen career but also from his business ventures.
However, the same cannot be said about the action star Jackie Chan, who has faced several significant setbacks when it comes to promoting or endorsing products. Considering his popularity and fan following in China, he has been associated with several brands, from electric bikes to frozen dumplings.
However, many of these products did not serve what they offered. The Rush Hour star promoted an air-conditioner brand that ended up exploding. He also promoted an anti-hair loss shampoo, which was later revealed to possibly contain carcinogens.
It happened so frequently that the phenomenon was given a name, the “Jackie Chan curse.” The actor was even called out and told to stop constantly promoting products without knowing too much about them. However, the actor has denied such claims.
Jackie Chan Was Asked to be Controlled
According to the Los Angeles Times, Jackie Chan was believed to have around two dozen endorsements in 2010. This was around the same time when the air-conditioner promoted by the actor exploded. Many started noticing that most of the products, promoted by Chan, ended up having some problems.
“It’s he who needs to be controlled. Look at how many commercials he’s done. It’s an abuse of endorsements,” a social columnist Qiao Zhifeng ONCE said. It was also unclear if Chan himself used these products. As the claims grew, the Drunken Master actor defended himself.
“Incidents like this, where shampoos are reported to have problems, are not new,” the actor said before adding that he has always been careful with the products he endorsed. Over the years, the actor has also started his own business ventures, including a production company, a movie theatre, and a clothing line.
Source: Los Angeles Times
