Despite the backlash, Pepsi is defending its latest ad that features its newest spokesperson, Kendall Jenner.
“This is a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that’s an important message to convey,” Pepsi said in a statement.
The ad, which is titled “Live For Now Moments Anthem,” shows the 21-year-old supermodel leaving a photo shoot to join a protest. Toward the end, she hands a police officer a can of soda, and he takes a drink. Her fellow protestors then erupt in cheers.
Critics have faulted the ad for exploiting Black Lives Matter and anti-Donald Trump messages. Both Jenner and Pepsi drew backlash on social media, and some Twitter users have compared the ad — albeit unfavorably—to the viral “Taking a Stand in Baton Rouge” photo.
Https://youtu.be/PCEm21aTh5Q
Here are some of the reactions:
Shame on you @pepsi for such a tasteless ad. #Jointheconversation#livebolder#livefornow
— Erin Schlissel (@ESchliss) April 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/eveewing/status/849392843399540736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Finternet-slams-pepsi-kendall-jenner-after-ad-features-protest%2F
J. Edgar Hoover takes aim from the grassy knoll. The motorcade approaches. He fires. JFK raises a #Pepsi to his lips, blocks the bullet.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 5, 2017
But isn't this Pepsi ad exactly what you'd imagine the Kardashians think a political protest looks like?
— Samantha Weiner (@SamanthaWeiner1) April 5, 2017
“The creative showcases a moment of unity, and a point where multiple storylines converge in the final advert,” Pepsi said in an earlier statement to Teen Vogue. “ It depicts various groups of people embracing a spontaneous moment, and showcasing Pepsi’s brand rallying cry to ‘Live For Now,’ in an exploration of what that truly means to live life unbounded, unfiltered and uninhibited.”