Up in Smoke: Alicia Keys protested against Philip Morris’ cigarette sponsorship
In the USA, Philip Morris USA and other major tobacco companies are banned from sponsorship of concerts but there was no such regulations in Indonesia. After all, more than 30% of Indonesia 220 million smoke. It made the country the fifth-largest tobacco market in the world, according to World Health Organisation. Philip Morris’s affiliate HM Samperna, regularly sponsored events and pop events concerts in Indonesia.
It was the Washington-based Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids anti smoking organisation that alerted Alicia Key to the company’s association with her concert in Jakarta. In a letter released by her record company, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Key said she has asked the company to stop the branding.
” I am an unyielding advocate for the well-being of children around the world and do not condone or endorse smoking” said the singer.
After Alicia Key protested against the cigarette company’s sponsorship in her coming concert, Philip Morris International pulled down all billboards and posters that have logo and slogans of A Mild cigarettes. Philip Morris International did not say whether it was demanding its money back. Neither did it reveal how much it had paid to sponsor Key’s concert.
Whatever it is, the cigarette company’s sponsorship is up in smoke.
