An A-lister like Scarlett Johansson isn’t merely recognized for her bedazzled filmography or the accolades lining up her shelves. She’s also known for a bevy of endorsements and brand tie-ups.
Naturally, some of the biggest names in the industries of fashion and beauty are in liaison with the Marvel alum.
Dolce & Gabbana, L’oreal Paris, and Louis Vitton are a few names on the list of the brands that Johansson backs. Alas, Coke and Pepsi don’t seem to have made it on said list.
Scarlett Johansson’s Ad Got Banned at Super Bowl
Brands from the beauty and wellness sphere aren’t the only ones Scarlett Johansson endorses, she’s also affiliated with a drink company called SodaStream. But perhaps the Israel-based establishment was shooting for the stars with this one controversial advertisement featuring the Black Widow actress.
The DIY soft drink company took a hit at two of the most globally popular industry titans – Coca-Cola & Pepsi – in an advertisement that was meant to be aired during 2014’s Super Bowl, but was eventually nixed for the proverbial shots fired.
In the rejected commercial, Johansson, who recently starred in Fly Me to the Moon, sheds a white bathrobe underneath which she’s wearing a gorgeous navy blue dress. And as she seductively sips the flavored soda, the 39-year-old takes a gratuitous dig at the patron saints of soft drinks.
“Look, soda that’s better for you, and all of us. Less sugar, less bottles,” ScarJo says in the ad. “Sorry Coke and Pepsi.” Uh-oh.
SodaStream CEO Was Irked by the Axed Commercial
Not only did the carbonated drink company slam two of the biggest contenders in the game, but the advertisement was supposed to appear during the Super Bowl, which happened to be sponsored by both Coke & Pepsi at the time. So, you can see how the ad would be a problem.
SodaStream boss Daniel Birnbaum was rendered utterly disgruntled at having the company’s ad scrapped (yet again), claiming that Fox turned it down out of fear of Coke and Pepsi.
“What are they afraid of?” Birnbaum asked. “Which advertiser in America doesn’t mention a competitor? This is the kind of stuff that happens in China. I’m disappointed as an American” (via USA TODAY).
While neither Fox nor Pepsi made any official comments regarding Birnbuam’s sting, a spokesperson for Coca-Cola made it crystal clear that they didn’t “pressure” Fox into rejecting the advertisement.
