Under fire for endorsing Pan Bahar, Hollywood
star Pierce Brosnan said he was "deeply shocked and
saddened" by the criticism and that the company had made
"unauthorised and deceptive use" of his image to endorse its entire
range of products.
In an exclusive statement to People magazine, Brosnan said
he had agreed to advertise a single product only , and that it was presented as
"all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful
ingredient".
Since Brosnan's statement was reported late Thursday
night, a comment from the manufacturers of Pan Bahar was not immediately
available. The James Bond actor said he has demanded that the company
remove his image from all their products.
Brosnan's contract says he was to advertise a
"breath freshenertooth whitener" which wouldn't include an ingredient
that turns saliva red. "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," the statement said.
Brosnan said he had the "greatest love and
affection for India and its people". He added, "I would never have
entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to
one's health."
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