Beyonce responds to Pepsi controversy

Credit: PepsiCo

The Carters are as well known these days for their product endorsements as for their music, as evidenced by Jay-Z's Samsung promotion for Magna Carta...Holy Grail, and Beyonce's longtime affiliation with Pepsi. However, it's this affiliation that has brought some controversy to Queen Bey's doorstep.

In recent weeks, the singer has been accused of hypocrisy, as Beyonce's endorsement of Pepsi is believed to contradict her vocal support of Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" fitness campaign, which preaches an active lifestyle and a healthy diet to the nation's youth. Pepsi is a company often accused of marketing its sugary soft drink products directly to kids, and Beyonce's endorsement of the product while simultaneously endorsing a national fitness campaign is seen as contradictory by many.

The subject recently came up in an interview with Flaunt, in which Beyonce addressed the non-controversy:

Flaunt: "Some were critical at your participating in a Pepsi campaign after you moved your body for childhood obesity. Where is the balance between your career objectives and your philanthropy?"

Beyonce: "Pepsi is a brand I've grown up seeing my heroes collaborate with. The company respects musicians and artistry. I wouldn't encourage any person, especially a child, to live life without balance."

Pepsi produced Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime show and debuted her new song "Grown Woman" in its "Mirrors" commercial.

The singer continued, "When you work out, take care of your body, rehearse as hard as I rehearsed in the commercial, I think it's great to have a Pepsi or Diet Pepsi when you want one. It's all about choices."

Credit: Global Post via The Wrap