“Practice what you preach,” is a common saying across the world. Akshay Kumar, however, learnt it the hard way. His endorsement of a pan masala brand despite his statement against the consumption of alcohol and pan Masala left him at the receiving end of his own fandom’s ire, who excoriated him. Even his apology was not good enough. Social media users want him to refrain from surrogate advertisement, a form of advertising which is used to promote regulated products, like cigarettes and alcohol, in the disguise of another product.

https://medium.com/@visheshsharma124/should-celebs-refrain-from-surrogate-advertisement-b54f4f86be32

Surrogate advertising is a form of advertising that is used to promote products which are banned or limited from advertising under government regulations, such as cigarettes and alcohol, via advertising another product produced by the same company in order to raise brand awareness.

Celebrities have a large following and their endorsements can have a significant influence on people's purchasing decisions. When celebrities endorse surrogate products, they are essentially promoting harmful products to their fans, including children and young adults.

Here are some of the reasons why celebrities should refrain from surrogate advertisement:

  • Surrogate products are harmful. The products that are typically advertised through surrogate advertising are harmful to health, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco products. When celebrities endorse these products, they are encouraging their fans to use them, even though they know the risks.
  • Surrogate advertising is misleading. Surrogate advertising is designed to mislead consumers into thinking that they are buying a different product, when in reality they are buying a harmful product. Celebrities who endorse surrogate products are complicit in this deception.
  • Celebrities have a social responsibility. Celebrities have a large following and their actions can have a significant impact on society. When they endorse harmful products, they are sending a message that it is okay to use those products. This can lead to increased consumption of harmful products and negative health consequences.

Some people argue that celebrities should be free to endorse any product they want, but it is important to remember that surrogate products are harmful and that celebrities have a social responsibility. By refraining from surrogate advertisement, celebrities can help to protect their fans and promote public health.

In addition to the ethical concerns, there are also legal risks associated with surrogate advertising. In many countries, surrogate advertising is regulated or even banned. Celebrities who endorse surrogate products could face fines, legal action, and damage to their reputation.

Overall, there is no good reason for celebrities to endorse surrogate products. It is harmful, misleading, and could have legal consequences. Celebrities should use their influence to promote positive messages and encourage their fans to make healthy choices.

(OpenAI, personal communication, Oct 23, 2023)

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