The Hindu : 'Dispute only over celebrity engagement'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2003

National

National

'Dispute only over celebrity engagement'

NEW DELHI DEC. 9. Coca-Cola India said today that its dispute with brand ambassador Sushmita Sen was only with regard to the "celebrity engagement" contract and not on any sexual harassment issue and that both parties had reached a mutually agreed settlement.

Certain media reports had alleged that the settlement was for an alleged sexual harassment case against a senior Coca-Cola executive.

"There was a dispute between the company (Coke) and its brand ambassador with respect to celebrity engagement. Lawyers from both sides were working on it. This was settled for a mutually agreed consideration," Coca-Cola India Vice-President, Sunil Gupta, said here.

The former Miss Universe could not be contacted for comments. Her spokesperson said that her lawyer was away and so she would not comment on the issue. Mr. Gupta cited the confidentiality clause and declined to confirm if Rs. 1.45 crores had been paid to Ms. Sen. He said the actress had been signed on as a brand ambassador for Thums Up in February 2001 and her contract was valid till January 31 next.

PTI

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