Beyonce Pepsi Criticism, 'Grown Woman' Singer Responds In FLAUNT, 'It's All About Choices'
In a recent interview, Beyonce addressed the criticism she received for signing a multi-million dollar deal with Pepsi.
The singer spoke to Flaunt--the magazine she recently posed nude for --about the backlash she received over the Pepsi deal she signed in December.
"When you work out, take care of your body, rehearse as hard as I rehearsed in the commercial, I think it's great to have a Pepsi or Diet Pepsi when you want one," Beyonce told Flaunt. "It's all about choices."
The Houston native has been accused of being a hypocrite for joining First Lady Michelle Obama in her childhood obesity campaign and then signing with a company that produces soda, a drink that has been linked to obesity.
"Pepsi is a brand I've grown up seeing my heroes collaborate with," the 31-year-old told Flaunt. "The company respects musicians and artistry. I wouldn't encourage any person, especially a child, to live life without balance.
Flaunt was referring to a January article written by Mark Bitmman in The New York Times, entitled, Why Do Stars Think It's O.K. To Sell Soda?. Bittman wrote that Beyonce "is renting her image to a product that may one day be ranked with cigarettes as a killer we were too slow to rein in." He also questioned the Single Ladies singer decision to be part of the effort to addresses a public health crisis and then contribute to an effort that impedes its progress.
The Houston native has worked with Pepsi since 2002, but the new agreement has taken their partnership to a new level. The deal involves commercials, print ads, a limited-edition soda can which will feature her image and sponsorship of her world tour next year, according to The New York Times.
Beyonce and Pepsi released a commercial on April 4, the same day of her fifth wedding anniversary. Her yet-to-be-released single Grown Woman is featured in the 20-second spot for the Pepsi Max drink.
