Add James Woods to the loud chorus of voices condemning Pepsi’s protest-themed ad featuring Kendall Jenner.
“Once Upon a Time in America” actor and vocal conservative Woods threw his two bits into the social media conversation over the ad on Wednesday, calling the commercial “loathsome” and urging a boycott against Pepsi.
“I think it’s safe to say this is the most loathesone [sic] commercial in the history of advertising,” Woods wrote, adding, “#BoycottPepsi.”
The actor then offered a helpful chart of the numerous companies that fall under the PepsiCo umbrella, noting, “If you think #Pepsi sucks, here’s the corporate octopus you’ll need to #boycott…”
I think it’s safe to say this is the most loathesone commercial in the history of advertising. #BoycottPepsi https://t.co/CkKn6PrRKi
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) April 5, 2017
If you think #Pepsi sucks, here’s the corporate octopus you’ll need to #boycott… pic.twitter.com/wHMSusgKCR
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) April 5, 2017
In the ad, which was met with widespread criticism on Tuesday, Jenner, a blonde wig perched atop her head, poses for a photo shoot as sign-carrying marchers take to the street.
Encouraged by one of the marchers, Jenner pulls the wig from her head, strides through the crowd, and brings peace to the raucous scene by handing a police officer a can of Pepsi.
Detractors were quick to criticize the ad for appropriating protest and resistance culture in the name of shilling soda.
“No @pepsi. No @KendallJenner. You are not woke. Can’t believe you’re imitating ‘flower power’ movement to sell soda,” went one typical reaction.
However, Woods’ disgust might be coming from a different angle. The actor’s tweet calling for a boycott linked to a story bearing the headline, “Pepsi Glorifies Far Left Protest Mobs in Latest Commercial with Kendall Jenner.”
Pepsi initially defended the ad Tuesday, telling TheWrap in a statement, “This is a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that’s an import message to convey.”
However, Pepsi reversed course on Wednesday, pulling the ad and issuing an apology.
“Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding,” the company said in a statement. “Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologize. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are pulling the content and halting any further rollout. We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position.”