Alicia Keys Slammed By Smoking Charity Over Concert Adverts

US R&B star Alicia Keys has been forced to apologise after it was revealed that adverts for her forthcoming concert in Jakarta promoted cigarettes to youngsters.

Campaign group Tobacco Free Kids said posters made it appear like Keys’ show was in association with Mild Live Production, a Indonesian subsidiary of tobacco firm Philip Morris International.

They also carried the warning: "Smoking can cause cancer, heart attacks, impotence and harm pregnancy and foetal development."

In a statement, Keys said “immediately asked for an investigation and that corrective actions be taken” when informed about the advertising.

"As a result, the tobacco company has respectfully withdrawn their sponsorship and all billboards, signage and other forms of advertising will be immediately removed,” she said.

In America it is forbidden for tobacco companies to associate their names with concerts. But in developing countries laws are less strict.

Keys added that said she did not "condone or endorse" smoking and apologised unreservedly for "any misleading advertising initially associated with the show".

The concert will take place in the city on Thursday (July 31st).

(by Jason Gregory)

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