Endorsement deals are the key to super stardom in Hollywood. The chance to have your face on billboards, in magazines and virtually everywhere else is the goal of any celebrity looking to make money. Whether it’s a multi-million dollar sneaker deal or partnership with a weight loss company, the responsibility of promoting a brand can be rewarding and damaging, just ask Lil Wayne and Rick Ross. Now, the actions of a celebrity are being closely watched by corporate heads.Click through to see which other celebs’ bad behavior ultimately led to bad business.
Virtually even woman has been a spokesperson for Proactiv. In 2005, Britney Spears shot an ad campaign for the skincare line that never saw the light of day. The company allegedly changed its mind after seeing too much of the spiraling star’s bad skin in the tabloids.
Photo Credit: Reuters
Kate Moss gave “heroin chic” a whole new meaning when she was caught snorting cocaine by The Daily Mirror in 2005. As a result, she lost endorsements with H&M, Chanel and Burberry.
Lindsay Lohan’s antics are nothing new. In 2008, after an initial wave of rehab visits and film failures, the troubled actress lost an endorsement deal with clothing line Jill Stuart. She was replaced with the less controversial Hilary Swank soon after.
Rihanna’s good-girl-gone-bad lifestyle is a hit with many, but a miss with few, including Nivea. The skincare line decided to nix the singer’s advertisement after deciding her behavior didn’t match their values. “The advert starring Rihanna was a no-go. I do not understand how Nivea can be brought into association with Rihanna,” said the head of Beiersdorf, Nivea’s parent company. “Nivea is a company which stands for trust, family and reliability.”
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen came together for a “Got Milk?” ad campaign in 2004. Unfortunately, Mary Kate’s public struggle with anorexia forced The Milk Processor Education Program to pull the ad out of respect for her situation.
Madonna and controversy are synonymous. The legendary entertainer ruffled one too many feathers with her 1989 “Like A Prayer” visuals. When Pepsi realized that she had no plans to change, they dropped her like a bad habit.