Alicia Keys Apologizes, Has Tobacco Ads Removed

By Jane Ivory
15:32, July 31st 2008
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Alicia Keys Apologizes, Has Tobacco Ads Removed

R&B singer Alicia Keys has apologized to fans in Indonesia after sponsorship of her upcoming concert there by tobacco firm Philip Morris prompted criticism from anti-tobacco campaigners.

Alicia Keys’ Jakarta concert on July 31 was being sponsored by Philip Morris and billboards featuring a logo for the A Mild cigarette brand drew criticism from anti-smoking campaigners who argued the association between the popular singer and the tobacco brand would encourage fans to smoke.

Alicia Keys said a in a statement she had asked for “corrective actions” upon learning of the deal, reports the BBC. She added that the company subsequently withdrew the sponsorship. The advertisements have been removed.

Alicia Keys apologized for “any misleading advertising initially associated with the show” and assured all that she is “an unyielding advocate for the well-being and health of children around the world.”

This came in response to anti-smoking organization Tobacco Free Kids, which sent Alicia Keys an open letter stating her association with Philip Morris was “inconsistent” with her “advocacy for children’s health through her involvement in Keep a Child Alive, a campaign to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in poor countries.”

The 27-year-old singer firmly said in her statement that she does not “condone or endorse” smoking.

“I look forward to bringing my music and message to my wonderful fans in Jakarta,” her statement ended.

The Grammy Award-winning singer is performing in Jakarta as part of her “As I Am” world tour, in support of her successful album of the same name.

In other news, Alicia Keys has been announced to be teaming up with The White Stripes’ Jack White in order to create the theme song to the upcoming James Bond film. The song is titled “Another Way to Die” and marks the first duet in Bond soundtrack history.

Jack White wrote and produced the song and will play drums. “Quantum of Solace,” starring Daniel Craig as 007, is to be released Nov. 7.

 



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