 "Pan Bahar ad: Brosnan deeply shocked by 'unauthorised endorsement'")
Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan has said that he is “deeply shocked and saddened” over his controversial participation in the endorsement of Pan Bahar breath freshener, which might include ingredients that cause cancer, according to people.com.
Last week, Pan Bahar had brought out full-page advertisements in national dailies and digital ads across mediums featuring Brosnan as the brand ambassador. While this caught everyone’s attention — Brosnan’s endorsement soon became a trending topic on social media — it also drew flak from many who frowned at the international icon endorsing a potentially unhealthy product.
In an exclusive statement to people.com, Brosnan, however, explained he had great love and affection for India and its people.
Pan Bahar is a pan masala made from a mixture of nuts, seeds, herbs and spices. It is considered harmful to health as it contains some carcinogenic ingredients. In India, several states and Union territories like Bihar, Maharashtra, Kerala and Delhi have banned the sale of such products. Products like these are also criticised for causing red spit stains in public places across the country.
On October 16, 2016, Central Board of Film Certification had banned the advertisement from being aired on television and movie halls.
He reportedly stated to the site: “As a man who has spent decades championing women’s health care and environmental protection, I was distressed to learn of Pan Bahar’s unauthorised and deceptive use of my image to endorse their range of pan masala products.”
The actor added: “I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one’s health.”
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According to people.com, Brosnan’s contract detailed that he was to advertise a “breath freshener/tooth whitener,” which wouldn’t have an ingredient that turns saliva red.
The website further quoted Brosnan as saying that he agreed to advertise a single product only, and that it was presented as “all-natural, containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient.”
Explaining his commitment to the society, the reported statement 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 health care and research programmes that improve human health and alleviate suffering.”
The actor of some of the James Bond movies demanded the removal of his image from all advertisements of the company and said that he had no knowledge of endorsing an item that would draw a negative or painful reaction in India, said People.com.
The website further informed that Brosnan had accused the company of grossly manipulating him and he was sincerely apologetic towards it. He would definitely rectify this matter.