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regular-article-logo Friday, 22 November 2024

Madonna reacts to resurfacing of her banned 1989 Pepsi commercial at 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

Madonna had signed a USD 5 million deal with Pepsi to feature her then-new single, Like a Prayer, in a commercial

Agnivo Niyogi Calcutta Published 13.09.23, 02:05 PM
Madonna in the banned 1989 Pepsi commercial

Madonna in the banned 1989 Pepsi commercial Instagram

The resurfacing of pop icon Madonna’s previously banned Pepsi commercial from 1989 at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday has drawn flak from the 65-year-old singer-songwriter, who took a sly dig at the FMCG brand for discontinuing to air the ad then in the wake of controversies surrounding the music video of her song Like a Prayer.

"34 years ago I made a commercial with Pepsi to celebrate the release of my song 'Like a Prayer.' The commercial was immediately canceled when I refused to change any scenes in the video where I was kissing a black saint or burning crosses. So began my illustrious career as an artist refusing to compromise my artistic integrity," Madonna wrote on Instagram.

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"Thank you @pepsi for finally realising the genius of our collaboration. Artists are here to disturb the peace," she further wrote, emphasising her unwavering commitment to artistic freedom.

In January 1989, Pepsi-Cola made headlines by announcing a groundbreaking USD 5 million deal with Madonna to feature her then-new single, Like a Prayer, in a forthcoming national commercial. However, at the time of the agreement, Madonna was still in the process of filming the official music video for the chart-topping hit.

Pepsi and Madonna's commercial, titled Make a Wish, made its debut during the 31st Annual Grammy Awards in February 1989. The family-friendly advertisement depicted Madonna revisiting her childhood, enjoying a can of Pepsi as she watched her younger self celebrate her birthday.

The day after the commercial's release, Madonna unveiled the official music video for Like a Prayer on MTV. The video featured Madonna dancing in lingerie juxtaposed with controversial religious imagery. It triggered significant controversy, leading to a condemnation of Madonna by religious groups. Subsequently, Pepsi decided to retract the commercial.

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