Pepsi has decided to pull its ad featuring Kendall Jenner at a protest.
In the ad, Jenner is seen approaching a police officer and handing him a can of Pepsi as a demonstration carries on.
The ad received a lot of backlash on social media with some charging that it was making light of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Initially the brand defended the commercial before eventually removing it.
"This is a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that's an important message to convey," a statement from Pepsi on Tuesday read.
But on Wednesday, the cola brand had changed its tune. The ad was deleted from Pepsi’s YouTube channel.
A statement on the company's website read: “Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologize. We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are removing the content and halting any further rollout. We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position.”
Jenner said in a statement to E! News earlier Tuesday she was “thrilled to join the legendary roster of icons” who have worked for Pepsi in the past.
“To me, Pepsi is more than just a beverage — it registers as a pop culture icon and a lifestyle that shares a voice with the generation of today. The spirit of Pepsi — living in the ‘now’ moment — is one that I believe in. I make a conscious effort in my everyday life and travels to enjoy every experience of today,” she said.
The “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star has not weighed in on the backlash.
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