News

She Parted Ways With Oxfam

by Ivy Jacobson

Scarlett Johansson has long been affiliated with Oxfam, an international poverty and development group. The Her actress was named a global ambassador for Oxfam in 2007, and has traveled throughout the world to help developing countries, such as Kenya and Sri Lanka. Now, she's ended her eight year run with the humanitarian group. On Wednesday, Scarlett Johansson resigned from Oxfam, following her SodaStream commercial controversy.

A statement released by Johansson's spokesperson says:

"Scarlett Johansson has respectfully decided to end her ambassador role with Oxfam after eight years. She and Oxfam have a fundamental difference of opinion in regards to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. She is very proud of her accomplishments and fundraising efforts during her tenure with Oxfam."

SodaStream is an Israeli company that has a huge factory in the West Bank, and is controversial because the West Bank is a territory that was captured by Israel but is claimed by the Palestinians. Oxfam International is against all trade from Israeli settlements, because they believe it denies Palestinian rights. Oxfam questioned Johansson's loyalties this week when they slammed her SodaStream endorsement.

Oxfam released a statement on Thursday, accepting Johansson's resignation:

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. 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. Ms. Johansson has worked with Oxfam since 2005 and in 2007 became a Global Ambassador, helping to highlight the impact of natural disasters and raise funds to save lives and fight poverty.

Earlier this month, Johansson was named the first global brand ambassador of SodaStream International Ltd., but now the commercial that's created so much controversy won't even be seen during the Super Bowl. The SodaStream ad was banned because of one line stated by Johansson: "Sorry Coke and Pepsi." That line was deemed detrimental to other advertisers by Fox, and the network asked SodaStream to remove that line so it could still air — but SodaStream, a company that opposes soda in favor of their eco-friendly alternative, refused.

If you want to see the odd and cheesy commercial, watch below: