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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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