Actress Scarlett Johansson has stepped down as OxFam ambassador over a disagreement with the group on Israel.
A statement released by Johansson’s spokesman Wednesday said the 29-year-old actress has “a fundamental difference of opinion” with Oxfam International because the humanitarian group opposes all trade from Israeli settlements, saying they are illegal and deny Palestinian rights.
“Scarlett Johansson has respectfully decided to end her ambassador role with Oxfam after eight years,” the statement said. “She and Oxfam have a fundamental difference of opinion in regards to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. She is very proud of her accomplishments and fundraising efforts during her tenure with Oxfam.”
At issue is Johansson’s contract to promote SodaStream. She will appear in an ad for the homebrew soda kit that will air during the Super Bowl on February 2. SodaStream has a factory in an Israeli settlement on the West Bank, which employs Jews and Palestinians. But the location of the factory upsets anti-Israel activists. OxFam, which has advocated anti-Israel boycotts in the past, came under pressure from anti-Israel activists to sever ties with Johansson. It released a statement saying it would review its contract with Johansson. After Johansson herself came under criticism, she released a statement in which she supported economic cooperation and “social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine.”
The actress decided to end her relationship with OxFam, which she has represented and raised funds for since 2007.
Here is Johansson’s SodaStream ad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxq4ziu-wrI
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