Scarlett Johansson Defends Her Pro-SodaStream Position

Scarlett Johansson defended her position as SodaStream’s spokesperson following the controversy back in January regarding her role in the company.

The controversy arose from the fact that SodaStream, as well as running its operations from Tel Aviv, also operates a factory in the West Bank – territory which is under dispute between Israel and the Palestinians.

In an interview given by Scarlett Johansson to The Telegraph on Friday she spoke about her position at SodaStream, and the fact that because of it, she recently stepped down as Oxfams’ Ambassador.

She pointed out that she believes in SodaSteam as a company and that she is no expert on the details of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict:

I’m not an expert on the history of this conflict, and I’ve never professed to be. But it is a company that I believe in, that I think has the ability to make a huge difference, environmentally. [SodaStream’s CEO] Daniel Birnbaum has said many times that this factory is one he inherited, and that he doesn’t want to fire people – the majority of those people being Palestinian.

Back at the beginning of the year Scarlett Johansson released a statement announcing that she was parting ways with Oxfam after more than eight years of working with them:

Scarlett Johansson 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.

A number of commentators have noted what a shame it is that politics seems to find its way into almost every area of life. Having proudly represented Oxfam and carried their flag, the organization condemned her for working with SodaStream simply because they have a factory in an area which does not meet with Oxfam’s approval.

Do you think Scarlett Johansson was right to leave Oxfam after they condemned her for working with SodaStream? Do you think politics has a place in such things as the Oxfam/SodaStream controversy? You can sound off in the comments feed below.

Have you met our brand ambassador Scarlett Johansson? http://t.co/lvgSZJoBz1

— SodaStream (@SodaStream) March 5, 2014