Top Celebrity Spokesperson Fiascos
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Rabbani and Solimene Photography
Contract Terminated!
23-year-old swimming star Michael Phelps has apologized for his "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after he was photographed inhaling from a marijuana pipe, but Kelloggs decided to drop its lucrative endorsement deal with the Olympic gold medalist.
This is just the latest case of a famous spokesperson slip-up. Click through to see other, surprising -- sometimes shocking -- circumstances that led to other dismissals.
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Wilfredo Lee, AP
O.J. Simpson
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, O.J. Simpson was the classic all-American football player. Hertz car rental service began to air ads starring Simpson in 1975, hoping to capitalize on his natural charm and charisma. After reports of domestic abuse surfaced, however, the relationship between Hertz and the charming Simpson was quickly terminated.
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Scott Wintrow, Getty Images
Kate Moss
Chanel is the epitome of class, and has been for nearly 100 years. So when model Kate Moss was filmed allegedly snorting cocaine, she was dropped as the face of the label. Burberry and H&M also quickly dropped campaigns starring the supermodel. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to hire a model famous for inspiring the phrase “heroin chic” in the first place.
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Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images
Martina Hingis
If you’re receiving loads of cash for endorsing a company, it’s probably not a great idea to sue that company. Case in point: Martina Hingis. Tennis player Hingis was a celebrity spokesperson for an Italian sneaker and tennis-gear company, Tacchini. Until she sued them, that is, claiming their gear was responsible for several injuries. Needless to say, Hingis did not represent the company much longer.
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Rex Brown/WireImage.com
Michael Vick
Most people would say Michael Vick lost his superstar status when charged with animal cruelty, but in fact, his star began to dim even before reports of dogfighting surfaced. Following several bad-boy incidents, such as a middle finger salute to Falcons fans and a failed drug test, Vick’s contracts with companies like Nike and Coca-Cola were not renewed. And the animal cruelty conviction certainly didn’t help.
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Next: MadonnaMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Michael Putland, Retna
Madonna
Throughout her career Madonna has been famous for stirring things up. Her "Like a Prayer" music video was no exception. The video, which aired in 1989, showed the singer getting physical with a saint and developing stigmata. Pepsi, who had just signed a $5 million deal with Madonna, was not pleased. The company quickly dropped commercials starring the singer, and cancelled all of her future appearances.
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Michael Tran, FilmMagic.com
Kirstie Alley
When the formerly svelte actress gained quite a few pounds post-"Cheers," she seemed like an ideal candidate to endorse Jenny Craig. All she had to do was tell women she got back her formerly fabulous figure thanks to Jenny. There was just one problem -- she couldn’t stop gaining weight. So unfortunately for Kirstie, she was replaced by Valerie Bertinelli, who was soon seen on TV fitting into her "skinny jeans" again.
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Next: Kobe BryantMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was a fan favorite when he first started playing basketball for the Lakers. Winning the 1997 Slam-Dunk Contest only solidified his high-flying reputation. At the top of his game, Bryant represented a number of brands, from McDonald's to Nike. His star began to fall, however, after he was arrested on rape charges in 2003. Bryant was dropped soon after the arrest, from campaigns for Nutella and McDonald's.
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Next: Ben JohnsonMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Getty Images
Ben Johnson
By 1988, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson had established himself as one of the top athletes in the sport. At the Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Johnson won the 100m race and established a new world record. The excitement over his win was not to last, however, as Johnson soon tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Not only was Johnson dropped from a campaign with Diadora, he was also stripped of his gold medal and returned to Canada in disgrace.
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Next: Robert JarvikMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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KAREN BLEIER, AFP/Getty Images
Robert Jarvik
After playing a role in creating the artificial heart, Doctor Jarvik was hired by Pfizer to star in ads for cholesterol-reducing drug Lipitor. It was soon revealed, however, that "Doctor" Jarvik was not a cardiologist and was not even licensed to practice medicine. Furthermore, the ads showed Jarvik on a lake, appearing to be a very accomplished rower, when in fact he does not row at all. Pfizer soon retracted all ads starring the disgraced doctor.
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Next: LudacrisMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Ben Rose, WireImage.com
Ludacris
Rap lyrics have long been known to contain controversial material, and Ludacris' music is no exception. In 2002, Bill O'Reilly claimed that the rapper's lyrics glamorize "life of guns, violence, drugs and disrespect of women," and urged people to boycott Pepsi products as long as Ludacris was the spokesperson. Pepsi quickly dropped its deal with the rapper.
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Next: Bruce WillisMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Bruce Willis
If you're a celebrity representing a brand of alcohol, getting arrested for drunk driving is probably not a good idea. You can thank Bruce Willis for that lesson. In 1987, the actor was arrested for disturbing the peace and assaulting a police officer during a party at his home. The charges were later dropped and so was Willis -- as spokesman for Seagram's.
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Next: Dell Dude Ben CurtisMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Dell Dude Ben Curtis
Ever wonder what happened to the guy from those "Dude, you're getting a Dell!" commercials? The super-excited Dell Dude, also known as Ben, was busted for attempting to buy a bag of marijuana in New York City. The bag was small, and Ben escaped any major charges. It was not small enough, however, for Dell to ignore. Ben was soon dropped from the campaign.
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Next: AkonMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Scott Gries/Staff, Getty Images
Akon
If you're already a controversial rap star, a sexually explicit dance with a fifteen-year-old probably won't help clean up your image. Take Akon, for example. In 2007, after video footage of him dancing suggestively with an underage girl during one of his concerts made the internet rounds, the rapper was quickly dropped from his Verizon campaign. Maybe next time he'll dance with someone his own age.
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Next: Eric ClaptonMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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AP
Eric Clapton
In 1988, Eric Clapton's relationship with Anheuser-Busch became a bit awkward when it was revealed that he was battling alcoholism. The rock star admitted to Rolling Stone magazine that he was facing a drinking problem while filming the commercial. By the time it was aired, Clapton was in rehab. The beer company quickly determined that he was not the best role model, and their relationship was terminated.
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WireImage
Star Jones
As a member of popular talk show "The View" and a Payless spokesperson, Star Jones was at her peak in 2005. However, after being viciously cut from "The View" by Barbara Walters, her star stock quickly plummeted. She was soon dropped by Payless and faced increased controversy over her refusal to come clean about her extreme weight loss (allegedly due to gastric bypass surgery).
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Courtesy WeberShandwick
Olsen Twins
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been in the spotlight since the ripe old age of 9 months, and with superstardom comes a fair bit of controversy. The twins' "Got Milk?" ad was dropped after Mary-Kate entered rehab for a "health-related issue" (reportedly an eating disorder). It seems the "Got Milk?" folks did not believe Mary-Kate was an appropriate role model for young girls while supposedly battling anorexia. Go figure.
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Next: Sarah Jessica ParkerMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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GAP INC./PRN
Sarah Jessica Parker
If anyone actually believes 40 is the new 30, just take a look at Sarah Jessica Parker. You may soon find yourself singing a different tune. In 2005, the television icon turned the big 4-0 -- and was promptly dropped by Gap as the face of their label. And millions of forty-something women cried out in indignation.
More on Sarah Jessica Parker
Next: SmurfsMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Unicef / IMPS / Peyo / AP
Smurfs
As part of a public education campaign on the ravages of war, UNICEF Belgium decided to air an animated short of the Smurfs' village as a war zone. Big mistake. Children watched in horror as their beloved Smurfs were victims of repeated bombings, and parents were not pleased. Philippe Henon, a spokesman for Unicef Belgium, said his agency "had set out to shock." Well UNICEF Belgium, mission accomplished.
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Next: Whoopi GoldbergMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Evan Agostini, Getty Images
Whoopi Goldberg
Comedians are known for making controversial statements, but even the funniest comic can go too far. Take Whoopi Goldberg, for instance. After a double-entendre filled speech about President Bush, the comedian found herself out of a job. Slim-Fast decided not to air Goldberg’s commercial, citing the fact that her tirade "offended some consumers." Goldberg did not apologize, instead stating that "just because I'm no longer in those spots, it doesn't mean I will stop talking."
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Next: James GarnerMore on Celebrities From AOL:
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Getty Images
James Garner
The Beef Industry Council hoped to drum up some publicity by casting celebrities in their commercials. However, after spokesman James Garner had quadruple-bypass surgery (presumably thanks to artery-clogging burgers and steaks) and spokeswoman Cybill Shepard let it slip that she does not eat meat, the Council decided to cast ordinary, non-famous meat-eaters in their commercials.
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Top 10 Celebrity-Filled Charity Balls
Got a spare $200,000, feeling generous, but not sure how to part with your money? You can always splurge on a table at a splashy charity event, but do lavish charity benefits actually generate any income for the organizations they promote? To give you a better insight, MainStreet has ranked 10 of the biggest, most anticipated high-profile benefits in terms of their overall star power and their financial impact.
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Recent Comments
MarsDlugosz 12:22:26 PM Feb 09 2009
Our "White" House is full of pot smokers (not to mention alcholics). A few of their images appear on US currency. Quite an endorsement! Perhaps Phelps should be seeking endorsements from bong makers.
AZyogi 11:49:34 AM Feb 09 2009
Stop prohibition now. Violence continues on our border due to laws against pot, the lies told to keep this harmless herb illegal are shocking. Bootleg Pot give criminals power and money. the only way to end border violence is to apply the 21st amendment to Pot. Pot heads of the world unite BOYCOT GENERAL MILLS AND ANYONE ELSE THAT TRIES TO RAM PROHIBITION DOWN OUR THROATS
LBKingFish 09:50:26 AM Feb 09 2009
He's a kid.. Give him a break. I'm not condoning the conduct, but he just a youngster who going through a maturation period...He does't need to get the electric chair for a parking ticket. And the truth is most of you people that are being so self rightous probably are jealous and have experimented with inappropriate behavior.. Give the kid a break.. I will never eat another Kellogg product until they realize that the board members, employees, and spokesmen have had a poke or drink.
Cody4355 01:01:25 AM Feb 08 2009
I wasn't talking about the amount of respect he gets, or deserves. I was only saying that his 15 min was far from over, if you could even consider it a "15 mintues of fame" situation at this point. Which I highly doubt. Now that you mention it though I guess I do have respect for the guy. If not for how humble and nice he seems, for the sheer amount of time and effort he has put toward his career. I mean come on it's not as if he's a "one hit wonder" musician or some rapper or something(and I like rap). He is the best swimmer on the planet, possibly ever. I don't even care for swimming, I just happened to be watching and got sucked in to the incredible story. I think he is a really genuine person,and I think that he really cares what people think of him. Anyone that works that hard deserves to let loose a little every once in a while. He's no Brody Jenner, that's for sure!
Vintage80s 02:40:55 PM Feb 07 2009
Cody i could care less how long Phelps has been 'in the media', he didn't become media darling until recently. If he truly wanted the respect he deserves for his accomplishments, then he should stop acting like a tool! He has no one to blame but himself if he loses his endorsements. If he wants to party like that and not be caught/judged then he should do it in private! I have no sympathy for someone who accomplishes such feats and pisses it away by acting stupid. My opinion has absolutely nothing to do with the "liberal media" or being a "hypocrite". I personally could care less about the Olympics. If he wants my respect then he should act like it, otherwise he's just another insta-celebrity that comes into cash, everyone kisses his ass til the money runs out and then he's dropped like a hot potato. His fame comes with a price just like everyone else in the media spotlight! It's his choice how he handles it.. so far, I'm not impressed at all.
Cody4355 02:11:18 PM Feb 07 2009
Yeah Vintage, I'm sure his 15 minutes are up considering that he has been in the media since 2004 and the Sydney Olympics. Not to mention that he is the most decorated Olympian in HISTORY. Also the fact that he has the opportunity to compete in at least two more Olympics regardless of people like you and the "liberal media" continuing to run this into the ground. People are such hypocrites. It must be because he is a dumbass idiot that is butt ugly. Just leave him alone.
Cody4355 02:03:27 PM Feb 07 2009
Yeah Vintage, I'm sure his 15 minutes of fame are up considering that since 2004 he has been in the media for his performances first in Sydney then in China. Not to mention he is the most decorated Olympian in HISTORY already and who knows how many more gold medals are in his future. Probably none if people like you and the rest of the "liberal media" run it into the ground. People are so hypocritical.
Brandonmwitte 02:03:09 PM Feb 07 2009
HOPEFULLY THE PHOTO WAS NOT RELEASED BY PARIS HILTON WHO IS KNOWN FOR PUTTING OUT PHOTOS TO TRY AND DESTROY PEOPLE AND EVEN MAKING FAKE ONES MADE AS SHE DID TO MATT LEINART AND OSCAR DE LA HOYA. SEE, PARIS HILTON IS CURRENTLY EVADING FEDERAL PROSECUTION FOR HEINOUS FEDERAL CRIMES AGAINST MYSELF AND BRITNEY SPEARS. PARIS HILTON'S FATHER RICK HILTON EVEN GOT INVOLVED IN THE FEDERAL CRIMES IN MAY 2008 WHEN HE BRIBED SOMEONE AT THE ASSOCIATED PRESS TO BLOCK PARIS HILTON'S "SAVING THE DRUNK ELEPHANTS IN INDIA" STORY IN A DIRECT AND BLATANT ATTEMPT TO TRY AND SHIELD PARIS HILTON FROM FEDERAL PROSECUTION. LOOK FOR THE ARRESTS AND INCARCERATION OF THESE 2 WICKED, WICKED, WICKED CRIMINALS IN THE VERY NEAR AND COMING FUTURE. SINCERELY, BRANDON M. WITTE
Vintage80s 08:31:57 AM Feb 07 2009
This moron has been partying his ass of since getting back from the Olympics. Seriously, does this surprise anyone? This time it just happen to be caught on film! He's a dumb ass idiot and I hope he loses his cushy endorsements. He needs to be brought back down to reality! He's butt ugly too. His 15 minutes are up people!!!!
Gbuick87gnx 08:28:45 AM Feb 07 2009
Orenthal James Simpson......What a wasted life. How do you go from living in a beautiful Brentwood,California mansion with Bentleys,Rolls Royces, and Ferarris parked in the driveway to a jail cell in Vegas? I guess someone like Michael Milken would think that's a silly question.
