Madonna shared her celebration at the re-release of the controversial Pepsi commercial, 34 years after it was banned from the media. The brand aired the advertisement starring the singer last Tuesday (12), during the VMA (Video Music Awards) 2023.
“34 years ago, I produced a commercial with Pepsi to celebrate the release of my song ‘Like a Prayer’,” the singer wrote on X, formerly of Twitter. In 1989, she worked with the brand on the video, released at that year’s Grammy Awards, which became controversial among religious groups.
In the clip, Madonna sees a white woman being attacked by a group of white men and a black man being arrested for the crime after trying to help the victim. The character runs away to a church in an attempt to get help. Then scenes show dancers wearing burning crucifixes and crosses.
The representation caused outrage among religious people and was condemned by the Vatican. Pepsi ended up withdrawing the commercial from circulation and canceling the US$5 million (approximately R$25 million) contract with the singer, despite having reached approximately 250 million viewers in more than 40 countries.
On Tuesday, the commercial was shown at the VMAs, celebrating the soft drink brand’s 125th anniversary. “Thank you, Pepsi, for finally realizing the genius of our collaboration”, thanked the singer. “Artists are here to disturb the peace,” she added.
Source: Folha
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