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Pierce Brosnan shocked after learning paan masala's 'deceptive use of his image'

Pierce Brosnan shocked after learning paan masala's 'deceptive use of his image'

The ex-James Bond actor was misled into believing he was endorsing a breath freshener
21 Oct, 2016

In an exclusive statement to People magazine, the former James Bond actor revealed that he was "deeply shocked and saddened" after learning about the harmful effects of paan masala and the subsequent ban.

"As a man who has spent decades championing women’s healthcare and environmental protection, I was distressed to learn of Pan Bahar’s unauthorized and deceptive use of my image to endorse their range of pan masala products," said Pierce Brosnan.

Also read: James Bond endorses Indian paan masala, sends fans into shock

He added, "I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one’s health."

Brosnan explained that he was assured the product was “all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient." His contract stated that he was endorsing a "breath freshener/tooth whitener," without mentioning that it turns saliva red.

The actor, who lost his first wife and daughter to cancer, was extremely disheartened to hear that the product contains cancer-causing ingredients:

"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 healthcare and research programs that improve human health and alleviate suffering."

Also read: Pierce Brosnan's paan masala ad banned in India

The Hollywood actor offered his sincerest apologies to Indians and said in the statement, "I shall endeavor to rectify this matter. In the meantime, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt apologies to all whom I have offended. [I have the] greatest love and affection for India and its people."

Taking immediate action, the 63-year-old has demanded the company to remove his image from their ads as it's "in violation of my contract."

Comments

ak Oct 21, 2016 12:19pm
That's.......... unusual...... to say the least.
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KT Oct 21, 2016 12:23pm
Better late than never. Thanks to actor for his restoring Integrity.
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Mahmood Oct 21, 2016 12:26pm
Oooops!!! That must be embarrassing for the Indian company!
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Imran Oct 21, 2016 12:29pm
Shaken, and stirred too.
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THINK SHUTTLE Oct 21, 2016 12:35pm
"He should sue paan bahar." Fake Indian surgical strike on Hollywood.
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Masood Hussain Oct 21, 2016 12:45pm
Would have been better if he marketed SAMAD BOND. His line would have been like.......NAME IS BOND, SAMAD BOND
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Indian Oct 21, 2016 12:45pm
was shocked to see him in pan masala ad good that he clarified he should sue the company in Indian Courts and should demand heavy penalty
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Tejas Jagtap Oct 21, 2016 12:57pm
@Masood Hussain: Does your brand have the money to pay him in first place? It's all based on economy and here Indian economy is capable of doing it!
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Star power Oct 21, 2016 01:10pm
How convenient. Has he heard of google whete one can search everything about a product. Is he going to return the money.
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SKS Oct 21, 2016 01:10pm
Though he is rich but came to India to earn money.
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Truth Oct 21, 2016 01:10pm
Brosnan should respond appropriately, with " Aaaagh thoooo... I spit on your brand."
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Superstar Oct 21, 2016 01:12pm
Wondering how many illegal images of Indian actors are on pakistani products?
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Skeptic Oct 21, 2016 01:23pm
How some have fallen from their ivory towers! From Vodka -Martini, and Menny Penny to Chai, Pani and Paan!??
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Amrita Oct 21, 2016 01:26pm
So an educated America is not aware of the product he is endorsing. What was his manager doing? Did he or didn't he research the product before signing the contract? Now that a controversy has broken he wants to quickly disassociate himself. Too many angles too look at. Oh by the way, Pakistanis' happiness and enthusiasm over this topic is highly amusing.
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Truth Oct 21, 2016 01:27pm
@Superstar - Frankly I've seen more poor imitation of Hollywood hits, with Indian plot and bad acting, created by Bollywood than anywhere else in the world!
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Skeptic Oct 21, 2016 01:29pm
@Amrita - Pierce Brosnan is Irish, not American.
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Neutral Indian Oct 21, 2016 01:33pm
@Tejas Jagtap Looks like money also makes people arrogant.
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Thoroughthinker Oct 21, 2016 01:34pm
This is a very humane action of the actor and must be appreciated. On the other hand, authorities concerned must take immediate action against those promoting cancer causing products.
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salman Oct 21, 2016 01:42pm
How innocent he is:)
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Sudhanshu Swami Oct 21, 2016 01:56pm
I think that Pan Masala can/boxes have ingredients as well as statutory warning printed . That too in English.
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Sudhanshu Swami Oct 21, 2016 01:59pm
@Amrita There is no need to do a huge research. Pan masala and pouch itself have statutory warning and ingredients list.
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Rohit Oct 21, 2016 02:05pm
So, even James Bond can be fooled!!
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J Oct 21, 2016 02:15pm
@Amrita he's British, not American.
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am Oct 21, 2016 02:26pm
By exposing india and its duplicate products he has become a true friend of pakistan. You are always welcome to pakistan in case you wish to act in adds.
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Arshad Oct 21, 2016 02:33pm
......If you are feeling "Sorry" to work in this ad promoting products that increases the chance of having Cancer, then you should donate all money to a Cancer Society that you earn for working in this AD.
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manish ranghera Oct 21, 2016 02:37pm
hahaha,james bond duped by indian pan masala makers
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sac Oct 21, 2016 03:04pm
That seems flimsy excuse. It is said that he was paid Rd. 60 crore Indian rupees for that ad. Amiabh Bacchan was paid Rd 14 cr for a gold jewellery brand. Mr Brisbane thought he can easily pass over Indians. The hit was never expected. Wonder if he returns at least part of that money.
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Aniket Oct 21, 2016 03:08pm
Oh, so he did not know what exactly he was signing up for? In that case, he surely has one hell of an incompetent brand managing team.
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anandan nair Oct 21, 2016 03:22pm
Yes Indeed Dear 007 Bond, I wish you had asked MI7 to investigate this brand ,maybe it could have saved you few moments of agony,by the way the monies you have received in pounds you can donate it for the cause of charity to leading NGO in pakistan.
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Asif Oct 21, 2016 03:55pm
Sorry sir, Its hard to believe that you didn't know of the product you were endorsing. Ethically, you should use the product before signing the contract for promoting it. Better luck next time Sir to justify your choice.
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Indian Woman Oct 21, 2016 04:00pm
That's so funny!! He should fire his managers and PR team first, and sue the company later.
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Amira Oct 21, 2016 04:07pm
@THINK SHUTTLE As in something that happened and was subsequently covered up?
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Sudhakar USA Oct 21, 2016 04:09pm
@am : Let us see if he takes up your offer and visits Pakistan any time soon :-)
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Deepak Oct 21, 2016 06:07pm
He is smelling it and I don't think he doesn't know how tobacco smells ..they all know the product well when they endorse it ..money speak !
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Muhammad Oct 21, 2016 06:26pm
@Tejas Jagtap the guy just made a joke as he played james bond and here in pakistan there is a strong adhesive brand called samad bond. No need to get emotional.
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Naeem Oct 21, 2016 06:48pm
He is lying through his teeth... He knew it all along... He will sell his soul to the devil for a price.
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adnan Oct 21, 2016 07:27pm
:D :D he is sooo naive...
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RAO Oct 21, 2016 08:08pm
Finally truth revealed ,,,one moment of silence for those who claimed that he had done this add ever
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Khanm Oct 22, 2016 11:46am
Think twice before u pose. Life lesson number one...breath fresher turns out out to be breath taker ...
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