Pierce Brosnan Faces 2 Years of Jail in India Over Controversial Ad
By Ryan General
Pierce Brosnan could face a 2-year jail sentence in India after appearing in print and TV ads for a local product reportedly containing tobacco linked to cancer back in 2016.
Brosnan’s image appeared on an advertisement campaign for Pan Bahar, an Indian mouth freshener brand, which has been known to include an addictive type of chewing tobacco in its products.
The former James Bond star is in trouble since advertising tobacco products is illegal in India, reports Indian Express.
The ad campaign was immediately canceled after causing a massive public uproar.
While the specific product that the 64-year-old actor promoted actually did not contain tobacco, other types of the pan masala product do.
When the backlash erupted in 2016, Brosnan released a statement to People, saying he was “deeply shocked and saddened” that his photo was used to represent a potentially dangerous product.
He added that he felt “grossly manipulated” by the Pan Bahar as he thought he was promoting a “breath freshener/tooth whitener [and] all-natural, containing neither tobacco, supari nor any other harmful ingredient.”
Brosnan was served with a legal notice seeking his explanation for appearing in the ads last week.
His failure to respond within ten days could land the actor in jail or result in a fine of 5,000 Indian Rupees ($77).
Feature Image via YouTube/ET BrandEquity
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