Kendall Jenner is reportedly "devastated" about the controversy surrounding the new Pepsi ad that she starred in, which was pulled yesterday -- less than a day after premiering online -- due to extensive backlash.
"This the first controversial campaign she has been involved with," a source familiar with Kendall's contract with Pepsi told ET. "Even though she had nothing to do with the production and the message of the campaign, she will be blamed for this since she is the face."
In the failed commercial, Kendall leaves a photo shoot to join a festive social demonstration. The ad ends with her handing a Pepsi to an unsuspecting police officer, much to the delight of her fellow protestors. Though the scene seems to be set in the U.S., filming actually took place in Bangkok.
Critics felt the ad ignored the threat of violence that looms over real-life protests, which can't be tempered with a simple soda exchange. They also accused Pepsi of fraudulently co-opting active social justice movements for profit's sake.
The corporation issued a statement upon withdrawing the commercial, writing, "Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly, we missed the mark and apologize." The statement also included an apology to Kendall: "We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position."
According to the aforementioned source, Kendall was paid millions by Pepsi, though her contract reportedly stipulates that she cannot comment on the cancelled ad without prior approval from the company. The deal did come with approval rights, says the source, though Kendall apparently "relied on Pepsi to do their due diligence and trusted that it would be tasteful."
