Kendall Jenner is accused of mocking Black Lives Matter movement in new Pepsi advert

PEPSI have come under fire for an advert featuring Kendall Jenner which appears to trivialise the Black Lives Matter movement.

The commercial sees the 21-year-old model use a can of Pepsi to end a stand-off between police and a group of young protesters of all races.

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But viewers have pointed out the imagery echoes that of the young woman Ieshia Evans serenely standing up to armed police in Baton Rouge while protesting the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling.

People across the world - including celebs - have taken to Twitter to criticise the advert since it’s release on Tuesday, with Charlotte Church stating: “This makes me sick” and retweeting Kris Jenner’s support of the commercial.

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Others have been left in disbelief at how tone deaf the advert is. Daily Show writer Kashana Cauley wrote: “So all us dark people have to do is convince a cop that the Pepsi we’re holding isn’t a gun.”

Another twitter user quipped: “Kendall Jenner: Can I copy off of you?

“Iesha Evans: No.

“Kendall:* Looks over shoulder anyway*

“Damn that. I'm getting this Pepsi money.”

The advert concludes with a policeman drinking from the can that Kendall had handed him and smiling with relief as the protesters then cheer and dance in celebration.

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In a statement to Entertainment Weekly a Pepsi spokesperson said: “This is a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that’s an [important] message to convey.”

Speaking to Teen Vogue, the company said: “The creative showcases a moment of unity, and a point where multiple storylines converge in the final advert.

"It depicts various groups of people embracing a spontaneous moment, and showcasing Pepsi’s brand rallying cry to ‘Live For Now,’ in an exploration of what that truly means to live life unbounded, unfiltered and uninhibited.”

On Monday Kendall stated: “To me, Pepsi is more than just a beverage — it registers as a pop culture icon and a lifestyle that shares a voice with the generation of today.”

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