Scarlett Johanson Defends SodaStream Deal

Actress Scarlett Johansson has defendedher decision to become the face of Israel-based drinks-makerSodaStream following criticism from political activists.

The star were criticized for for beingthe brand face, especially that she's Oxfam Ambassador. Oxfam is“opposed to all trade from Israeli settlements” and executivesissued a statement revealing they would be talking to Johansson aboutthe SodaStream controversy.

Johanson came out to defend herself ina written statement released to the Huffington Post on Friday. Shesaid: “SodaStream is a company that is not only committed to theenvironment but to building a bridge of peace between Israel andPalestine, supporting neighbors working alongside each other,receiving equal pay, equal benefits and equal rights.”

The Oxfam managers said that they “respectthe independence of our ambassadors,” the group also said it“believes that businesses that operate in settlements further theongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communitiesthat we work to support."