Pierce Brosnan ‘facing prison sentence’ over Indian advertisement

Brosnan has been served a legal notice from the Delhi health department
Controversial: The Irish actor in ads for Pan Bahar
Emma Powell15 February 2018
The Weekender

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Pierce Brosnan could face a prison sentence in India after fronting an advertising campaign for a chewing mixture that can contain tobacco.

The Irish actor, 64, starred in TV and newspaper ads for Pan Bahar, an Indian concoction that can include tobacco, spices and areca nut or supari, 18 months ago.

It is prohibited from sale in a number of Indian states as areca nut is considered by the World Health Organisation to be carcinogenic.

Brosnan has reportedly been served a legal notice from the Delhi health department under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, asking him to explain his appearance in the advertisements.

If he fails to respond within 10 days he could face a fine of 5,000 Indian Rupees (£56) or a two year jail term.

Health official S K Arora told the Indian Express: “We have issued the notice to Pierce Brosnan through the company, and also reached out to him via social media platforms.

“If he fails to respond to the notice, he would face punishment of a fine up to Rs5,000 [£56] or two years in prison.”

Brosnan previously claimed he was told he was advertising a “breath freshener/tooth whitener [and] all-natural, containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient”.

He said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the “unauthorised and deceptive use” of his image to promote a potentially harmful product.

In a statement he said: “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.

“I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one's health.

He finished: “I shall endeavour to rectify this matter. In the meantime, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt apologies to all whom I have offended.”

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Standard Online has contacted a representative for Brosnan for comment.

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