Scarlett Johansson Responds To Banned Super Bowl Ad [Video]

Scarlett Johansson has been on every short list for her red hot looks. From Maxim magazine to Esquire’s Sexiest Woman Alive, Johansson has dominated the market with her image and film work this year. Unfortunately, it looks like Johansson’s spoken words are too much to handle for Fox, and her Super Bowl ad for SodaStream has been banned.

In the now banned Super Bowl ad, Scarlett Johansson is seen making her own fizzy drink. As the commercial rolls, Johansson is so impressed by the drink that she wants to make it “viral.” She then decides to take her robe off to reveal a slinky dress as she suggestively sucks on the straw. However, it’s the words that she says and not her behavior that gives SodaStream a real viral push and an ultimate ban from being advertised at the Super Bowl.

The real tagline for the commercial is in the last five seconds of her ad. Simply put by USA Today, Fox wasn’t okay with the four words, “Sorry, Coke and Pepsi.”

According to USA Today, SodaStream’s CEO Daniel Birnbaum spoke about the reaction to the now banned Super Bowl ad. Birnbaum said that the reason why the ad is banned for Super Bowl is, “because they’re afraid of Coke and Pepsi.”

Of course, it’s not really surprising that Scarlett Johansson’s ad would be banned, considering Pepsi is sponsoring the halftime show with Bruno Mars. Besides enjoying the game, and the commercials in between, millions of viewers tune in to see the exciting halftime show at the Super Bowl. If Pepsi pulled out as a sponsor, there’s no telling what would have happened or how expensive that would have been for Fox.

Birnbaum continued to assert that Fox made the wrong decision by not approving SodaStream’s commercial:

“What are they afraid of? Which advertiser in America doesn’t mention a competitor? This is the kind of stuff that happens in China. I’m disappointed as an American.”

As for Fox, they haven’t directly commented on Scarlett Johansson’s banned commercial, but PepsiCo. has come forward to deny any claims they pressured Fox to ban the commercial. A spokesperson from the company said, “I can confirm we did not pressure Fox. Other than that, we don’t comment on our competitors’ efforts.”

Last week, Scarlett Johansson defended the commercial and the brand on The Huffington Post. Johansson published an essay titled “Clearing the Air.” In the essay, Scarlett wrote:

“I remain a supporter of economic cooperation and social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine. SodaStream is a company that is not only committed to the environment but to building a bridge to peace between Israel and Palestine, supporting neighbors working alongside each other, receiving equal pay, equal benefits and equal rights.”

Johansson continued to advocate for the company in her essay:

“I believe in conscious consumerism and transparency and I trust that the consumer will make their own educated choice that is right for them.”

To see the full essay written by Scarlett Johansson click here.

Check out the viral ad that you won’t catch at Super Bowl: