Scarlett Johansson caught in storm over SodaStream deal
Scarlett Johansson has come under fire from activists who have criticized the Hollywood actress for signing an endorsement deal with Israel-based drinks-maker SodaStream.
The Avengers star recently became a brand ambassador for the firm, which has its headquarters and a number of factories in the Middle Eastern state, but she has now been criticized by pro-Palestinian campaigners who claim the role conflicts with her work for charity Oxfam.
The humanitarian organization is "opposed to all trade from Israeli
settlements" and executives have now issued a statement addressing
the controversy over the SodaStream deal involving Johansson, who
was named an Oxfam Ambassador in 2007.
The statement reads, "Oxfam respects the independence of our
ambassadors. However, Oxfam believes that businesses 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.
"We have made our concerns known to Ms. Johansson and we are now
engaged in a dialogue on these important issues."