Scarlett Johansson quits Oxfam over Israeli firm advert

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

LONDON: US actress Scarlett Johansson has quit as global ambassador for Oxfam after the aid group deemed the role “incompatible”with her promotion of an Israeli firm that has a factory in the occupied West Bank.

Johansson, 29, appears in an advertisement for home drinks carbonation firm SodaStream, which is due to air during the US Super Bowl on Sunday.

It has already been seen more than 4.5 million times on the YouTube video-sharing website.

The Hollywood star has worked for Oxfam since 2005 but the British-based aid agency said she had stepped down due to her role with SodaStream.

“Oxfam has accepted Scarlett Johansson's decision to step down after eight years as a global ambassador and we are grateful for her many contributions,”the charity said in a statement.

“While Oxfam respects the independence of our ambassadors, Ms Johansson's role promoting the company SodaStream is incompatible with her role as an Oxfam global ambassador.

Oxfam believes that businesses such as SodaStream, that operate in settlements, further the ongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support.

Oxfam is opposed to all trade from Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law.

Entertainment

Rana

Jan 30, 2014 10:27pm

Well-done Oxfam.

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noman

Jan 31, 2014 02:44am

She's a zionist through and through just like Natalie portman.

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xulfjan

Jan 31, 2014 07:47am

Way to go Oxfam....

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Saad(DXB)

Jan 31, 2014 08:22pm

The Marvel movies come only once in a few years and overall Scarlett's career has taken a nose dive since she is at best, average on her acting skills. Her pretty face won't take her too far in Hollywood and she knows it well. This is why she is indulging herself in cheap publicity stunts like these in order to woo the Hollywood production houses, many of which are owned by Israeli-Americans or Jews with strong links and sympathies to Israel.

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