Katy Perry: 'Roar' Singer Under Fire for Promoting Pepsi
Katy Perry is being targeted because of her association with Pepsi, E! News reported Tuesday.
Pepsi has been helping the 28-year-old singer promote her latest album Prism. However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and six other organizations took out a one page ad in Variety. The various groups took Perry for promoting the soft drink. They cautioned the Roar singer against the health dangers of the product.
"Today soda companies are using you and other celebrities to convince young people that drinking soda is hip, sexy and rebellious. 'Drink Pepsi and you can be cool like Katy Perry,' is the takeaway message for your young fans. 'Live for now' and worry about the health consequences later."
The open letter continued to urge Perry to reconsider her association. It demanded that she not exploit her popularity.
"Kids love you, Katy Perry. You count many millions of teens and tweens among your 'KatyKats.' Their devotion to you has brought incredible commercial success and wealth. But being popular among children brings with it an enormous responsibility," the ad stated.
In a statement to USA Today, Pepsi spokeswoman Andrea Foote refuted the accusations levied against the brand.
"We have a long history of responsible advertising and marketing practices, including a commitment to not direct our advertising to audiences comprised predominantly of children under 12," Foote said.