Tobacco firm backs down over Kelly Clarkson gig sponsorship

Following protests from fans and anti-smoking groups, an Indonesian cigarette company has pulled its sponsorship of a Kelly Clarkson gig in Jakarta.

Kelly Clarkson has stated that she was unaware that the adverts for the gig showed a logo for cigarette brand LA lights, but that she intended to perform despite the criticism refusing  “to cancel on my fans”.

When the sponsorship deal was publicised, Clarkson was accused of being a spokesperson for the tobacco industry by anti-smoking groups in Indonesia and the United States.  She countered this by writing her blog that she was being used “as a political pawn”.

“My morning began with finding out that I am all over billboards, TV ads, and other media formats alongside a tobacco company who, unbeknownst to me, is sponsoring my Jakarta date on my current tour,” she wrote.

Clearly stating that she  is “in no way an advocate or an ambassador for youth smoking”, Clarkson was unaware of the sponsorship and is not a smoker herself. Although there were discussions to cancel the gig, it was decided that the fans were too important, and that eventually a “final agreement” was made to cancel the deal by Djarum.

Unlike the in UK, tobacco advertising is allowed in o advertising is allowed in Indonesia, where cigarettes sell for around $1 (65p) a pack.