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Scarlett Johansson caught in storm over SodaStream deal

Written by . Published: January 24 2014

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."

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