Beyonce’s Pepsi campaign was met with disdain from critics. After dancing to fight childhood obesity with Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, many thought it was hypocritical for her to shell soda, which is seen to be a major contributor to childhood obesity.
Beyonce kept quiet when the controversy first erupted, but she’s addressing it now in a recent cover story and shoot for Flaunt Magazine.
Flaunt: Some were critical at your participating in a Pepsi campaign after you moved your body for childhood obesity. Where is the balance between your career objectives and your philanthropy?
Beyonce: “Pepsi is a brand I’ve grown up seeing my heroes collaborate with. The company respects musicians and artistry. I wouldn’t encourage any person, especially a child, to live life without balance. When you work out, take care of your body, rehearse as hard as I rehearsed in the commercial, I think it’s great to have a Pepsi or Diet Pepsi when you want one. It’s all about choices.” And there you have it. Rehearse as hard as Beyonce does, and then you can drink Pepsi when you want to.
Flaunt: Gay men are drawn to you and empowered by you, as they have been to “gay icons” Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Madonna. What is it about you, and those women, that gay men love?
Beyonce: “I’m flattered if I’m in the company of those great women. I think they love that we are bold, unafraid to love, and flaunt our sexuality and strength.”
