The US Campaign to End the Occupation, and other anti-occupation groups including Code Pink, have launched a campaign to encourage Scarlett Johansson to reconsider her new position as occupation profiteer SodaStream’s new “global brand ambassador.”
On January 10, 2014, SodaStream announced that Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson had become their first-ever Global Brand Ambassador. Her first act in her role will be starring in SodaStream’s Super Bowl ad, which will be aired during the game’s fourth quarter on February 2.
Scarlett happens to be an Oxfam Global Ambassador, a role that includes a responsibility to “push forward the fight against poverty and injustice.” Since this announcement, BDS activists have been urging Scarlett to consider this responsibility and end her relationship with SodaStream.
SodaStream manufactures and distributes home carbonating devices and flavorings for soft drinks. The company’s main production site is in an illegal West Bank settlement, where the company conceals the fact that its products are manufactured in a settlement by using “Made in Israel” labels. As an Israeli settlement manufacturer, it exploits Palestinian land, resources and labor and actively supports Israel’s military occupation.
In October 2012, Oxfam Italy cut its ties with Paola Maugeri over her role as a SodaStream PR Ambassador. In 2009, Oxfam International cut ties with Sex and the City star Kristin Davis over her role as spokesperson for cosmetics company Ahava, another Israeli settlement manufacturer.
Take Action
Sign Petition: Don’t Be the Face of Occupation!
Urge Scarlett to end her relationship with SodaStream.
Send an email to Scarlett Johannson
Send a message that occupation isn’t green or guilt free to Johannson through her representatives.
Oxfam Ambassador Supporting Occupation?
Contact Oxfam America to urge them to take action and press Scarlett to end her deal with SodaStream or to end its relationship with the actress to send the message that supporting companies that profit from occupation and human rights abuses is unacceptable.
Take Action on Twitter!
Sample tweets about Scarlett, Oxfam, and SodaStream’s Super Bowl ad.
Graphics to Share!
Post these images to your Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and other social networks.
Media Coverage
SodaStream accused of using conflict bubbles
January 21st, 2014
Article in The Verge.
SodaStream: Guilt-Free Seltzer or Blood Bubbles?
January 20th, 2014
Article in New York magazine.
The Politics of Celebrity Ambassadors
January 16th, 2014
Article in The New Yorker.
Scarlett Johansson: ‘No Guilt’ About SodaStream
January 14th, 2014
Elisheva Goldberg in The Jewish Daily Forward writes that the actress should realize that “normalizing” the Israeli occupation is a bad use of her celebrity.
Criticism as Scarlett Johansson becomes new face of SodaStream
January 13th, 2014
Coverage from Al Jazeera America.
Behind the Scenes: SodaStream Unveils Scarlett Johansson as its First-Ever Global Brand Ambassador
January 11th, 2014
Video released by SodaStream.
Letters
US Campaign Letter to Scarlett Johansson
January 14th, 2014
Letter sent to the Hollywood star urging her to end her deal with SodaStream.
US Campaign Letter to Oxfam
January 14th, 2014
Letter sent to Oxfam America urging them to press Johansson to end her deal with SodaStream or to cut ties with the actress.
PALESTINE SOLIDARITY NETWORK 