Spar responds to complaints over PJ Powers ads

Cape Town - After receiving complaints about their advertising campaign using PJ Powers’ name, TOPS at Spar responded on their Facebook page.

On Monday morning PJ Powers, who has publicly admitted to being sober for the last five-and-a-half years, revealed on her Facebook page that Spar is using her name without her permission in an advertising campaign for their liquor store, TOPS.

The slogan for the ad reads: "Grab a drink and show off those PJ Powers."

In a Facebook post on Monday, TOPS at Spar apologises to "those who were offended by our message. The line was used as a play on words to refer to the Pyjama Party theme for the month of June. The theme is linked to the message from our Minister of Parties and Recreation: “No slumber, only party!” We never intended to offend anyone and sincerely apologise."

PJ Powers' manager, Yvonne Johnston, told Channel24 that PJ had not received an apology, nor any form of compensation from Spar.

Spar Facebook users expressed their disgust over the ads. Heather Coombe-Lewis said: "It was a thoughtless and insensitive thing to do. I suggest you put this apology on PJ Powers' Facebook page."

Another user, Angelique Baumann, said: "I think it was in bad taste.. If you live in this country, you know who PJ Powers is... if you dont, you live under a rock... sadly left a bad taste in alot of peoples mouths..."

Billi Du Preez said: "Best you remove this campaign and apologise PUBLICLY to PJ Powers (then FIRE your advertising firm for being IDIOTS!!)"

Twitter users also expressed their opinions:

@News24 that s outrageous! Using the name #PJPOWERS without her permission. Stop that#Spar!

— patrish (@ObrienPatrish) June 22, 2015

@TOPSatSPAR grab your "PJ Powers" @PJPowers1 and you didn't think anyone would notice...lazy and opportunistic advertising. Shameful.

— MarianneThamm (@MarianneThamm) June 22, 2015

@PJPowers1 It's derogatory & unacceptable.Spar should pull this @ be forced to run a full page apology and donate to the AA cause. #Notcool.

— Tandi A (@MrsAssad1) June 22, 2015