Pierce Brosnan demands removal of image from Indian breath freshener

The former James Bond actor has slammed the “unauthorised and deceptive” use of his picture for Pan Bahar products that are believed to include ingredients associated with causing cancer.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce said he is “deeply shocked and saddened” that his image was used to promote a highly addictive tobacco that is blamed for the red-colored spit stains seen on the streets of India and has negative health effects.

The 63-year-old star’s contract with the Indian company was to advertise a “breath freshener/tooth whitener” which wouldn’t include an ingredient that turns saliva red and he told People magazine it was presented as “all-natural containing neither tobacco, supari, nor any other harmful ingredient.”

He went on to say that Pan Bahar “grossly manipulated” media outlets to falsely present him as a brand ambassador for their entire line of products and as such was “in violation of my contract.”

The actor’s first wife Cassandra died from ovarian cancer in 1991 and so did his daughter Charlotte in 2013, and he said he would never agree to promote a product that posed a danger to health.

Pierce Brosnan (Brian To/WENN)

In a statement to the celebrity news site, he added: “As a man who has spent decades championing women’s healthcare and environmental protection, I was distressed to learn of Pan Bahar’s unauthorized and deceptive use of my image to endorse their range of pan masala products. I would never have entered into an agreement to promote a product in India that is dangerous to one’s health.

“I shall endeavor to rectify this matter. In the meantime, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt apologies to all whom I have offended.”

Piers has ordered the removal of his image from all Pan Bahar products and said he has the “greatest love and affection for India and its people.”