Scarlett Johansson SodaStream Ad: 'Her' Star Faces Memes and Oxfam Criticism Over Allleged Support of Israel
Scarlett Johansson is standing by her endorsement deal with SodaStream International Ltd, an Israeli company controversially based in West Bank. Meanwhile, the Internet is tackling the controversy with memes.
On Friday, Johansson released a statement saying that she wants to "clear the air" as her new gig does not have any social or political implications.
"I never intended on being the face of any social or political movement, distinction, separation or stance as part of my affiliation with SodaStream," she told Huffington Post.
Johansson's statement has not stopped clever Internet users with a knack for using Photoshop, however.
Recently, the web has been swarmed with memes starring the SodaStream model. The Her actress is often shown enjoying a glass of soda in front of a group of impoverished or imprisoned Palestinians amongst a desolate background.
In one meme, a speech bubble has Johansson saying "Set the bubbles free! Palestinians can wait..." In another, Johansson's bubble reads "Equal rights, economic cooperation, neighbors working alongside each other. I'm so cool." Meanwhile, what looks like a mother and her son stand behind bars next to Johansson.
Palestinian activists are against SodaStream for placing their large factory in the West Bank. In 1967, Israel captured the territory, which Palestinians still claim, Associated Press reports.
A commercial featuring the 29-year-old actress is scheduled to air during Sunday's Super Bowl.
"I remain a supporter of economic cooperation and social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine," Johansson's statement continued. "SodaStream is a company that is not only committed to the environment but to building a bridge to peace between Israel and Palestine, supporting neighbors working alongside each other, receiving equal pay, equal benefits and equal rights. That is what is happening in their Ma'ale Adumim factory every working day."
Johansson is also an ambassador for Oxfam International, who released a statement on the issue. The actress said her work with the company taught her "... that progress is made when communities join together and work alongside one another and feel proud of the outcome of that work in the quality of their product and work environment, in the pay they bring home to their families and in the benefits they equally receive."
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