LOS ANGELES (AP) — Scarlett Johansson has responded to
criticism over her new ad campaign for an Israeli company that operates
in the West Bank, but she’s not pulling out of the endorsement deal.
The
29-year-old actress said in a statement released Friday to The
Huffington Post that she "never intended on being the face of any social
or political movement, distinction, separation or stance" as part of
her affiliation with SodaStream International Ltd.
The Israeli
drink maker recently signed the "Her" and "The Avengers" actress as its
first "global brand ambassador." She is to appear in a television ad
during the Super Bowl on Feb. 2.
SodaStream has come under fire
from pro-Palestinian activists for maintaining a large factory in an
Israeli settlement in the West Bank, a territory captured by Israel in
1967 and claimed by the Palestinians.
Oxfam International took
issue with Johansson this week because the humanitarian group opposes
"all trade" from Israeli settlements, saying they are illegal and deny
Palestinian rights.
Johansson has served as a global ambassador for Oxfam since 2005, raising funds and promoting awareness
about global poverty.
"I
remain a supporter of economic cooperation and social interaction
between a democratic Israel and Palestine," said Johansson. "SodaStream
is a company that is not only committed to the environment but to
building a bridge to peace between Israel and Palestine, supporting
neighbors working alongside each other, receiving equal pay, equal
benefits and equal rights."
Johansson added that she stands behind the SodaStream product and is proud of her work with Oxfam.
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