Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan (brand ambassador of Pan Masala) told Indian authorities that he was “cheated” by a mouth freshener (Pan Masala) company that had employed him to promote its brand.

His appearance in a surrogate advertisement of an Indian pan masala brand had raised question on him.

Brosnan stated that he was “cheated” by the company which did not disclose about the “hazardous” nature of the product.

The company has not reacted on the statement of the actor.

In a written reply to the Delhi State Tobacco Control Cell, the actor said that he got cheated by the company as the latter kept him in dark about the hazardous nature of the product and other terms and conditions of the contract of advertisement; he  assured them that his association with the brand was over and also added that he would never assist any company with regard to promotion of such products or other such harmful products in future, said  Additional Director (Health) S K Arora, as per PTI reports.

The official appealed to all celebrities and mass media agencies to not indulge in surrogate advertisements of tobacco in the name of pan masala, tea, ilaichi or other goods as these are prohibited under section 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

Arora said, Celebrities must realize their responsibility towards society, especially the youngsters who treat them like God and follow them blindly. Such advertisements influence the minds of youngsters adversely.

  Pierce Brosnan, tobacco