In addition to starring in reality TV shows and founding a variety of successful businesses, members of the sprawling Kardashian-Jenner clan have landed a host of endorsement deals over the years. Some of these product placement ads fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. (After all, when you boast millions of Instagram followers, a brand will pay you big bucks to advertise their goods.) There’s Kourtney Kardashian and detox tea. Kim Kardashian and gummy hair vitamins. Khloé Kardashian and waist trainers. And let’s not forget the infamous controversy that was Kendall Jenner and Pepsi.
Back in 2017, Jenner starred in a Pepsi commercial that showed the model leaving a photoshoot to join a protest outside.
She hands a can of Pepsi to a smiling police officer in the crowd, after which the protesters cheer. The spot was accused of trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement in exchange for beverage sales, and the backlash led to Pepsi pulling the ad from the airwaves.
Pepsi quickly issued a statement apologizing for its commercial:
“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.”
Kendall Jenner’s Pepsi snafu was back in the spotlight this week after she was spotted at a New York City bodega buying a can of Orange Vanilla Coke.
The purchase prompted rumors that Jenner had partnered with Coca-Cola to promote its newest flavor.
Jenner’s seemingly color-coordinated dress — and the fact that she shared images of herself at the checkout counter on her own Instagram — drew suspicions that she (and Coca-Cola) were trying to sidestep federal guidelines on social media advertising.
Refinery29 reached out to the soda giant about the incident, and the brand quickly put the gossip to rest.
“Kendall Jenner is not paid by Coca-Cola and this was not a paid placement,” the company responded via email.
“There is nothing better than drinking an ice-cold Coke in the summer and clearly Kendall agrees!” the spokesperson added.
But for all the questions Jenner’s Coca-Cola purchase elicited this week, other (official) product endorsements by the Kardashian-Jenners have generated far more controversy.
Let’s take a look at some of the deals that have generated outcry from fans and foes alike.
Kendall Jenner and Proactiv:
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tx74vBNWtE"]When Jenner was announced as an ambassador for skin care brand Proactiv in January, she was swiftly accused of lying about actually using the products.
Kim Kardashian and Flat Tummy Appetite Suppressant Lollipops:
The lollipops are just one of the weight-loss products Kim has been slammed for promoting on social media.
Kim Kardashian and Flat Tummy Meal Replacement Shakes:
Khloé, too, has been the subject of ire for pushing these shakes on her Instagram page.
Khloé Kardashian and Waist Trainers:
The Revenge Body host isn’t the only one in her family to endorse waist trainers. Her sister Kylie Jenner is also a fan of the product, which purports to reduce your natural waist size with the help of a tightly laced corset.
In the grand scheme of things, Kendall grabbing an Orange Vanilla Coke — without getting paid for it — is probably the least controversial thing she’ll ever do.
