Scarlett Johansson reveals why she's stepped down from her role as Oxfam ambassador, after backlash of SodaStream ad.
Scarlett Johansson has decided to step down from her ambassador role with Oxfam following criticism over her decision to star in SodaSteam's new campaign.
The Hollywood actress was forced to defend her role with the fizzy drinks company earlier this month, after she came under fire for her association with the global company.
Confirming her departure from the humanitarian group after eight years, due to 'a fundamental difference of opinion', a statement read: 'Scarlett Johansson has respectfully decided to end her ambassador role with Oxfam after eight years,' the statement begins.
'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.'
SodaStream faces backlash from pro-Palestinian activists for owning a large factory in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. Oxfam opposes all trade in good produced by Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, claiming they are illegal and deny Palestinian rights.
The Avengers actress was quick to defend her position previously, saying she was a 'supporter of economic cooperation and social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine'.
Oxfam has since accepted Scarlett's decision to step down from her position.
In a statement, the charity said: 'While Oxfam respects the independence of our ambassadors, Ms Johansson's role promoting the company SodaStream is incompatible with her role as an Oxfam global ambassador.
'Oxfam believes that businesses, such as SodaStream, that operate in settlements further the ongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support. Oxfam is opposed to all trade from Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law.'
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