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Pepsi Pulls Kendall Jenner’s New Ad Amid Social Media Backlash
Kendall Jenner’s new Pepsi commercial isn’t getting such a bubbly reception.
In the ad, titled “Live for Now Moments” and set to Skip Marley’s “Lions,” the 21-year-old sports platinum blond hair and is in the middle of posing for a photo shoot amid a vague protest. She then rips off her wig, wipes off her makeup, and changes from a metallic dress into a denim jacket to join the crowd.
Next, she offers a can of Pepsi MAX to a police officer, who takes a sip and cracks a smile, which seems to solve everything.
Pepsi pulled the ad on Wednesday and removed it from its official YouTube page following a backlash. The brand released a follow-up statement to a previous statement that defended the commercial. (Pepsi originally said the video “reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that’s an important message to convey.”)
“Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologize,” the updated version on Pepsico.com reads. “We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are removing the content and halting any further rollout. We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position.”
Criticisms of the spot on social media have included some calling it “disgusting,” “distasteful,” “tone deaf,” and more.
"Now just wait one second officers.
I have a Pepsi." pic.twitter.com/NW0sddKOOI
— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 5, 2017
Kendall Jenner gives a Pepsi to a cop and rids the world of -isms. Y'all can go somewhere with this tone-deaf, shallow and over-produced ad. pic.twitter.com/CEr4cAw3Ld
— Taryn Finley (@_TARYNitUP) April 4, 2017
If this #Pepsi ad is the choice of a new generation, Im gonna need that generation to turn in its badge.
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) April 5, 2017
I could spend the rest of my life trying and not even come close to making something as funny as this Pepsi ad. https://t.co/C5qG1trHKg
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) April 5, 2017
imagine the peace we would have in the world if kendall jenner handed ISIS a pepsi
— wus poppin jimbo (@BillRatchet) April 5, 2017
"Yo Kendall, im gonna need you to come through with a pepsi, these cops are wildin" pic.twitter.com/dOpKnTq8LU
— Kim Jong Tun (@ignant_) April 5, 2017
The worst part of the Pepsi commercial is when Kendall decides to protest racism by making a black woman hold her wig. pic.twitter.com/NEfSwXqJvm
— Sean Kent (@seankent) April 5, 2017
The peace-offering-with-a-Pepsi scene drew comparisons to Ieshia Evans, who was pictured wearing a dress and standing up to law enforcement during a Baton Rouge riot following Alton Sterling’s shooting death by the police.
Kendall Jenner: Can I copy off of you?
Iesha Evans: No.
Kendall:* Looks over shoulder anyway*
Damn that. I'm getting this Pepsi money. pic.twitter.com/NUXwCZnM7p— C I L L My Landlord (@GuruBluXVIII) April 4, 2017
Still others expressed frustration with the brand seeming to trivialize social issues, such as Black Lives Matter, and using mainly white celebrities in the process.
.@pepsi thinks it can appropriate social justice movements with @KendallJenner for capital gains…Nah. #BoycottPepsi #ByePepsi pic.twitter.com/Gl4iPoq6Ru
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) April 4, 2017
In response, some have suggested boycotting Pepsi.
For anyone considering a Pepsi boycott, Here's a list of the Pepsi Co brands. pic.twitter.com/opko8Y8i5u
— Billie Jean Petty (@KrysMcFly) April 4, 2017
Boycott Pepsi basically means just eating healthy pic.twitter.com/yVDAGjdcec
— ????????Big Homie ???????? (@SouthSideGAClay) April 5, 2017
Kendall Jenner's Pepsi ad has caused a boycott. I guess tooth decay, heart disease, obesity, & diabetes was never a good enough reason.
— This That & The 3rd (@ThisThatAnd3rd_) April 5, 2017
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