Scarlett Johansson has decided to end her position as Oxfam Ambassador – a role she had held for seven years – following the recent fallout due to her becoming SodaStream International’s ‘global brand Ambassador.’
Oxfam was upset with the Johansson/SodaStream union due to the fact that SodaStream maintains a large factory in the West Bank. The West Bank is an area of dispute between Israel and the Palestinians, after Israel’s capture of Judea and Samaria in 1967, following the Six-Day War.
Scarlett Johansson’s spokesman released a statement on Wednesday noting “a fundamental difference of opinion” between Johansson and Oxfam.
“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.”
Despite the criticism Johansson came under from pro-Palestinian activists and supporters, she stood fast in her stance that she is a “supporter of economic cooperation and social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine.”
This means that she doesn’t necessarily agree that there is an issue with the SodaStream facility in the West Bank, and for her, certainly not a political one. Nevertheless, Oxfam weren’t at all happy about Johansson’s position, and noted “the implications of her new statement and what it means for Ms. Johansson’s role as an Oxfam global ambassador.”
Oxfam have not yet released a statement in response to Scarlett Johansson’s announcement that she is stepping down as ambassador of the organization.
Many commentators have noted that they feel it a shame that politics seems to make its way into all areas of life. Scarlett Johansson has been a conscientious ambassador for Oxfam for many years and has proved she is an advocate for peace and mutual understanding.
What do you think about Scarlett Johansson’s decision stand with Israel? And what about the fact she stepped down as Oxfam ambassador because of it? Share your thoughts in the feed below.
