16 Celebrity Endorsements That Aged Terribly
These star-powered ads seemed like a good idea at the time, until they totally backfired.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Celebrity endorsements can raise sales. But, when scandals hit or trends shift, those deals can go sour fast. These promos aged like milk. Here are 16 endorsements that went from hot to humiliating in record time.
1. Jared Fogle for Subway
Anna Hanks on Flickr
Once the face of Subway’s weight-loss campaign, Jared became a household name. That all came crashing down after criminal charges. Subway scrambled to distance itself.
2. Kendall Jenner’s Pepsi Ad
Georges Biard on Wikimedia Commons
Meant to symbolize unity, the ad instead trivialized social justice protests. Kendall hands a cop a Pepsi and suddenly, peace? It sparked instant backlash.
3. Lance Armstrong and Nike
Hase on Wikimedia Commons
For years, Armstrong was Nike’s golden boy — until his doping scandal shattered his clean image. He lost medals, fans, and endorsements overnight. Nike quickly dropped him, along with the Livestrong brand.
4. Paula Deen and Smithfield Foods
Digitas Photos on Flickr
Her Southern charm couldn’t save her after allegations of racism surfaced. Smithfield and other sponsors cut ties immediately.
5. Tiger Woods for Accenture
KA Sports Photos on Wikimedia Commons
The golf legend’s cheating scandal didn’t align with Accenture’s message of “performance and integrity.” His image plastered on airports became ironic overnight.
6. Chris Brown and Wrigley’s Gum
Pelpa Time Production on Wikimedia Commons
His upbeat campaign was pulled after his assault on Rihanna made headlines. Wrigley distanced itself fast. The happy-go-lucky image no longer fit.
7. Bill Cosby for Jell-O
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia on Wikimedia Commons
America’s “TV Dad” pushed Jell-O Pudding for decades. After numerous assault allegations, his wholesome image shattered.
8. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for Walmart
David Shankbone on Flickr
Their tween fashion line was everywhere, until sweatshop labor accusations hit. Critics slammed the brand, and public opinion soured.
9. Michael Jackson for Pepsi
Larry Davis on Wikimedia Commons
An iconic campaign until MJ’s hair caught fire during filming, resulting in injuries. Later scandals only made the association more uncomfortable.
10. Britney Spears for Pepsi (Then Coca-Cola)
Glenn Francis on Wikimedia Commons
Britney’s wild years made Pepsi regret banking on her pop princess image. She eventually endorsed Coke, too, adding to the confusion.
11. O.J. Simpson for Hertz
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
Before his infamous trial, O.J. was the face of speed and reliability. Post-1994, those airports running commercials took on a whole new tone.
12. Roseanne Barr for Nutrisystem
GFDL on Wikimedia Commons
The diet brand faced heat after Roseanne’s offensive tweets sparked widespread outrage. Her image no longer matched their feel-good campaign.
13. Madonna for Pepsi
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
Her ad was pulled after controversy over her “Like a Prayer” video. Pepsi had no idea the backlash they’d face. They shelved the campaign after just one airing.
14. Hulk Hogan for the George Foreman Grill (Almost)
daysofthundr46 on Wikimedia Commons
He was offered the grill deal first — but passed, letting Foreman take it. Later scandals made that a bullet dodged. It could’ve been a PR disaster.
15. Snoop Dogg for Hot Pockets
Tulane Public Relations on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, it happened. Snoop’s rap for frozen snacks was quirky but didn’t exactly scream healthy. Once Hot Pockets shifted to nutrition messaging, the vibe no longer fit.
16. Donald Trump for McDonald’s
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Trump once shilled for the golden arches with catchphrases like “I’m loving it.” Fast-forward to political controversy, and the ad feels wildly outdated.