Emma Watson Faces Backlash After Promoting Brad Pitt’s New Gin Brand
Emma Watson poses for photographers upon arrival at the 75th British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA’s, in London Sunday, March 13, 2022. (Photo: Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
English actress Emma Watson and American actor Brad Pitt have entered the world of spirits with the recent debuts of their own gin brands.
Pitt’s new gin, The Gardener, is set to be launched this September, with an unveiling at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Watson’s gin, Renais, made in collaboration with her brother Alex Watson, is already available for purchase following its late April debut.
However, the promotion of Pitt’s brand by fellow actress and gin producer Watson recently sparked controversy.
Pitt’s gin is made in collaboration with Tom Nichol, a veteran master distiller, and the Perrin family, Pitt’s original partners in his Miraval wines brand. (Photo: The Gardener Gin/Instagram)
Last week, The Gardener’s Instagram account posted a photo of Brad and his partner with a bottle of The Gardener Gin, captioned: “Conceived by Brad Pitt and the Famille Perrin, The Gardener is a quest for perfection dreamed up by friends who share a love for the French Riviera.”
On Thursday, Watson endorsed The Gardener Gin on social media, writing: “@thegardener_gin Welcome from Chablis Brad! 💛 Do you also have an annoying younger brother who’s obsessed with niche beverages? @alex.s.watson”
Alex Watson then jokingly added, “First rule of French gin club is: you DO tell everyone about French gin club 😂.”
Renais Gin is made with upcycled pressed grand cru grapes in homage to the Watson Family’s Vineyards. (Photo: Renais Gin)
Watson later shared a screenshot of the comments on her Instagram story, which has over 71 million followers. The Gardener Gin brand then expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and extended an invitation to taste its gin, stating, “If the Watson family pass by the French Riviera, you’re very welcome at home!”
Watson’s followers have since criticized her for supporting Pitt, who has been accused of physical harassment by his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, according to Buzzfeed. Despite these allegations, Pitt has denied any wrongdoing — but apparently admits he needed to cut back on his drinking, per the report.
“Collaborating with/promoting with a man who has been credibly accused of domestic abuse as the United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador since 2014 is definitely a huge pivot from how she has presented herself,” a Reddit user wrote, commenting on Watson’s promotion of Pitt’s gin.
“It’s scary how they use feminism for their own personal brand, but they don’t give a two-second thought when it comes to siding with questionable men,” another wrote.
“Are there any women in Hollywood with a backbone to stand up for their fellow women? I’m so tired,” another Reddit user added.
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