Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Pepsi cans Ludacris after complaints from O'Reilly, public
Atlanta Journal-Constitution ^ | 8-29-02

Posted on 08/29/2002 5:28:47 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer

LOS ANGELES -- Pepsi has canned Ludacris.

Pepsi-Cola of North America said Wednesday that it was was pulling its television spot featuring the Atlanta-based rapper because of consumer complaints about his sexually explicit, profanity-laden lyrics.

"We have a responsibility to listen to our consumers and customers and we've heard from a number of people that were uncomfortable with our association with this artist," the PepsiCo Inc. unit said in a statement.

"We've decided to discontinue our ad campaign with this artist and we're sorry that we've offended anyone."

"There are many different types of talented celebrities and artists, but not all of them are compatible with our brands and what consumers have come to expect from us," the statement said.

The move comes a day after Fox News' Bill O'Reilly blasted Pepsi for using Ludacris to promote its product and urged his viewers who drink Pepsi to switch to Coca-Cola.

"This guy Ludacris is harmless to mature adults, but not to impressionable children that lack parental guidance. Obviously Pepsi could not care less about those children, because they're promoting a man that espouses violence, degrading sex and substance abuse," O'Reilly said.

"I'm calling for all responsible Americans to fight back and punish Pepsi for using a man who degrades women, who encourages substance abuse, and does all the things that hurt particularly the poor in our society," he said on Tuesday night's "The O'Reilly Factor."

Ludacris was one of several entertainers, including Colombian-born singer Shakira and TV star Bernie Mac, enlisted by Pepsi this year as part of a new "multicultural" ad campaign aimed at minorities.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: ludacris; oreilly; pepsi; thefactor
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-70 last
To: Oldeconomybuyer
I know a lot of people on FR don't like him, but you gotta hand it to O'Reilly on this one.
61 posted on 08/29/2002 8:55:09 AM PDT by Michael2001
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Oldeconomybuyer
They can say that about most rappers now. Almost all have dual copies of their albums, one explicit, one "clean". If you ask me, neither is worth dog shot.
62 posted on 08/29/2002 8:57:13 AM PDT by wattsmag2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: LibertyGirl77
Isn't Shakira the one who said the US got what it deserved on 9-11 (or something along those lines?) I think it was her, but it may have been another one of those pop gals.
63 posted on 08/29/2002 9:10:15 AM PDT by rintense
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 50 | View Replies]

To: Wondervixen
You'd think they would at least LISTEN TO THE ARTIST THEY'RE PICKING TO PROMOTE THEIR PRODUCT!!!

Sorry, but the modern executives really couldn't care less. They have adopted the Three Holy Corporate Commandments:

1. Money is God.
2. Image is Everything.
3. If anything bad happens, it's always the parent's fault.

64 posted on 08/29/2002 9:13:51 AM PDT by jpl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: LibertyGirl77
Badly abused? Britney? You have no idea the amount of abuse I'd put up with for $100 million.
65 posted on 08/29/2002 9:29:46 AM PDT by Melas
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: LibertyGirl77
She'll be the next Marilyn Monroe-style or Elvis-style tragedy.

Oh, God, not Britney-on-black-velvet portraits being sold at roadside flea markets...

66 posted on 08/29/2002 11:52:59 AM PDT by Chemist_Geek
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: wattsmag2
If you ask me, neither is worth dog shot.

LOL! Your characterization will go down in history alongside 'Cactus' John Nance Garner's remark that something or other wasn't worth "warm spit".

67 posted on 08/30/2002 1:56:52 PM PDT by Ole Okie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: Ole Okie
I just hope Bill does not gloat about this. Yes it was the right decision but I can just see Bill throwing this around for weeks. Job done. Move on. No gloating.
68 posted on 08/30/2002 2:00:16 PM PDT by My Favorite Headache
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 67 | View Replies]

To: Chemist_Geek
Oh, God, not Britney-on-black-velvet portraits being sold at roadside flea markets...

How about Britney lying on black velvet sheets?

69 posted on 08/30/2002 5:19:49 PM PDT by wattsmag2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 66 | View Replies]

To: Wondervixen
"Youthful executives who have been taught to go with focus group data.."

That's part of it. I've got 20 bucks that says Pepsi hired a minority executive to "reach out" to this market, and this was his/her idea. I don't see how how else this idea could have gotten this far before pulling it.

70 posted on 09/03/2002 7:02:12 AM PDT by robertpaulsen
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-70 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson