Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan, claimed that the pan masala manufacturer Pan Bahar had violated his contract by falsely presenting him as a brand ambassador for its entire product line, including its tobacco-infused “mouth freshener”. The actor released a statement expressing his “heartfelt apologies” for causing offense, if any, and blamed Pan Bahar for ‘grossly manipulating’ the media outlets into believing that he endorsed the brand.

“Having endured, in my own personal life, the loss of my first wife and daughter as well as numerous friends to cancer, I am fully committed to supporting women’s healthcare and research programs that improve human health and alleviate suffering,” his statement read.

He claimed to have committed himself to advertise for just one product as Pan Bahar allegedly claimed it was an “all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari nor any other harmful ingredient.”

Brosnan demanded the company to remove him from its advertising campaign, and claimed that he have had no prior knowledge of endorsing something that would harm one’s health.

The ad campaign has raised eyebrows in India, with social media users mocking the actor for ‘falling on hard times’.

By Premji