Legendary gospel singer Dr Rebecca Malope says she is disappointed and feels her image is being misused by the owners of popular detergent Ariel washing powder, Procter and Gamble (P&G).
This is after P&G allegedly continued to use her images on the packages of their washing powders without her consent or payment for using her image.
REBECCA MALOPE: ‘OUR CONTRACT ENDED IN 2022.‘
The zilungisen hitmaker told The South African in a statement that she had an agreement with P&G to use her images, which ended in 2022. She says the company, however, continued to use her images on their washing powders over two years later.
“I have instructed my lawyers to proceed with legal action against Procter & Gamble (P&G) for the unauthorised use of my image,” the musician said.
Malope added that her lawyers sent the legal team at P&G a letter of demand last year, to which the team responded by proposing an out-of-court settlement.
LETTER OF DEMAND HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT TO P&G
She says that after communication with the legal team at P&G, they agreed upon a settlement amount, which they proposed. She says that after signing the agreement, the legal team refused to sign.
“I gather now, from my lawyers, that P&G has since refused to sign to counter sign that same settlement agreement,”
“Which leaves me no other alternative but to proceed with the initial legal action to protect my rights, moreover because on the back of all of this, the market continues to be flooded with P&G products bearing my unauthorised images.”
THEY ARE UNDULY BENEFITING FROM MY WORK
Malope said she is hurt because she has worked hard for her name, which now unduly benefits the company.
“I have worked extremely hard for over 36 years to build, protect, and sustain my brand, and it is unfair and unethical for this brand to unduly benefit from my brand and my image.”
“My brand is a reflection of my passion, integrity, and resilience, and I can not stand by while it is exploited without my consent,” she added.
The South African emailed P&G last week, however no response was received by the time of publishing.
IN HAPPIER TIMES?
According to a report by The Citizen, Malope was unveiled as a brand ambassador for the washing powder in 2016 during their Women’s Month celebration.
A new washing powder was launched on the 26th, putting ordinary South African women in the spotlight and recognising the countless sacrifices they make every day to build a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
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