Scarlett Johansson has stepped down as an Oxfam ambassador following criticism for her decision to star in an ad campaign for SodaStream. The company owns a factory in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank; this is something Oxfam International fundamentally opposes, on the grounds that businesses that operate in Israeli settlements on Palestinian ground are illegal and deny Palestinian rights.
In a statement, Johansson said that she has “respectfully decided to end her ambassador role with Oxfam after eight years. She and Oxfam have a fundamental difference of opinion in regards to the
boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. She is very proud of her
accomplishments and fundraising efforts during her tenure with Oxfam.”
Oxfam has accepted Johansson’s decision to end her relationship with the organization. In a statement, Oxfam said it’s “grateful for her many contributions” even though it finds her involvement with SodaStream “incompatible” with her ambassador role. [Guardian]
ScarJo’s ad won’t be airing at the Super Bowl, though — but that’s because it includes the line “Sorry, Coke and Pepsi,” which Fox is uncomfortable with. [PopWatch]
Rumors are swirling on certain spheres of the Internet that Anna Wintour could give Sarah Jessica Parker a “wider role” at Vogue. Suspiciously, a lot of the “sources” informing this seem to be unable to differentiate between SJP and Carrie Bradshaw, but whatever. Tomato, tomahto.[Radar]
Here’s a behind-the-scenes preview of Rihanna and Shakira‘s Can’t Remember to Forget You video, featuring an opulent mansion, some bellydancing in a pool, Shakira smoking a cigar, Rihanna and Shakira nuzzling, etc. Just your run-of-the-mill, quotidian stuff. [Idolator]
- Kim Kardashian took a selfie with the downy top of her infant’s head. [E!]
- Rihanna wishes she had a bigger butt. [E!]
- Some foolish plebian dared to shush Kourtney Kardashian‘s children on a plane and was sentenced to the harshest punishment in the realm: a pointed subtweet. [Radar]
- Jessica Simpson and Ashlee Simpson are NOT at war over their weddings. All is safe and sound in the world. [Gossip Cop]
- Another photo from the Fifty Shades of Grey set has emerged; it shows Jamie Dornan jogging in the rain. Based on my estimations, this movie takes place 50% in a Starbucks and 50% in other extremely boring locations. [Just Jared]
- Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson bought lamps. [Just Jared]
- Selena Gomez went out in public after someone said something about her maybe having a boyfriend. Unclear why this is a surprise; are you meant to go into seclusion if someone says Taylor Swift set you up with your friend? [Just Jared]
- Paramore broke a lot of very obscure world records in their music video, including the elusive “Fastest Time For 3 People To Run Through 10 Paper Banners.” [MTV]
- Wiz Khalifa says he fell asleep during Taylor Swift‘s Grammy performance, but only “just a little bit.” [ONTD]
- Kellan Lutz was so bored during the filming of Twilight that he got extremely buff. I was extremely bored during the watching of Twilight and all I got was kicked in the head by a middle-aged woman behind me. [ONTD]
- Nick Carter has suggested that we replace Justin Bieber in our hearts with Aaron Carter. Done. [TMZ]
- Orlando Bloom is maybe dating a French actress. [Hello]