Clooney criticised for Nestlé Ads

George%20ClooneyBaby Milk Action has criticised Hollywood actor George Clooney for appearing in an advert for Nestlé-owned coffee brand Nespresso. It also says that it has received complaints about the ad from consumers.

Clooney, who is a human rights campaigner, stars alongside actresses Camilla Belle and Priscilla Shanks in a short film called George Who?. The execution shows the actor walking into a “Nespresso boutique” expecting to be mobbed by fans but instead he is ignored or mistaken as a valet as people are too busy enjoying their coffee. The film, which has been created by Nestlé and McCann Paris, is supported by a print campaign.

It is understood that when questioned by film journalists about his role in the ad, Clooney responded by saying: “I’m not going to apologise for trying to make a living every once in a while.”

Mike Brady, campaigns and networking co-ordinator at BMA, says: “Let us hope Mr Clooney will be prompted to investigate this issue and support the boycott in future to keep up the pressure on Nestlé to change.”

BMA is a major supporter of the boycott of Nestlé, which was originally launched in the late Seventies over the marketing of its babyfoods. It was ended in 1984 but relaunched four years later after claims Nestlé had failed to stick to the commitments that led to the end of the first boycott.

Brady adds: “Wouldn’t it be great if he made amends by walking down the red carpet with one of our Boycott Nestlé resusable, fair trade cotton bags.”

Last month, BMA hit out at glamour model Jordan for appearing in OK! magazine feeding her baby from an SMA-branded bottle. BMA alongside the National Childbirth Trust and Save the Children complained that it was product placement.