"Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding," the beverage maker's statement read. "Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologize. 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."
Earlier Posting...
A new Pepsi ad — which features Kendall Jenner using a can of soda to end a stand-off between cops and a group of young, multi-racial “protesters” — is being universally blasted online.
According to The NY Post, social media users believe the commercial is clearly a play on the Black Lives Matter movement and other passionate, real-life demonstrations that have been taking place in recent years as a form of political resistance.
“So all us dark people have to do is convince a cop that the Pepsi we’re holding isn’t a gun,” tweeted “Daily Show” writer Kashana Cauley.
“That Pepsi ad is really dystopian,” another user added. “Disney-fies resistance. whitewashes and commodifies protest. wow there’s a lot to unpack there.”
Pepsi unveiled the controversial “Live For Now Moments Anthem” ad on Tuesday morning — leaving countless people with a bad taste in their mouths throughout the day.
In it, Jenner can be seen posing for a photo shoot before eventually ditching the gig to join up with the pretend protesters, many of whom are carrying signs and throwing up fists.
The commercial concludes with the 21-year-old handing a Pepsi can over to a police officer — causing him to pop the top, take a swig and smile in relief. The marchers then promptly cheer in approval before the words “live bolder, live louder, live for now” flash across the screen.
“So we should just give Putin & Assad & Trump a can of Pepsi & everything will be fine?” actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani joked on Twitter.
While many called out the soda company for simply being unoriginal, most ridiculed them for appropriating imagery from prominent movements.
“Who else is reminded of Dr Martin Luther King’s famously resonant ‘I have a Pepsi’ speech,” tweeted Australian senator Scott Ludlam.
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