Alicia Keys

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Alicia Keys Caught In Cigarette Controversy

by The Celebrity Truth - July 28 2008
photo by Ros O'Gorman

Alicia Keys has come under fire from the organization Tobacco Free Kids, after a cigarette company was named as the major sponsor of her performance this Thursday night in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The campaigners sent a letter to Keys after promotion for her concert was touted as a ‘Mild Live Production’, referencing a brand of cigarette owned by Sampoerna, a division of tobacco giant Philip Morris International.

“The sponsorship materials for the July 31 concert include massive billboards ringing the city which effectively make your face and name part of a tobacco advertisement for ‘A Mild’ cigarettes,” the letter to the singer states.

Keys promptly responded to the controversy saying, “When I was informed that my July 31 As I Am concert in Jakarta, Indonesia was partly sponsored by a tobacco company, I immediately asked for an investigation and that corrective actions be taken.

“As a result, the tobacco company has respectfully withdrawn their sponsorship and all billboards, signage and other forms of advertising will be immediately removed.”

The Celebrity Truth