At Paul Bothner Music, we support PJ Powers and other musicians in defense of their rights.
PJ Powers is currently locked in a dispute between herself and TOPS liquor store, over the unauthorized use of her name in an advertising campaign that Tops has been running through the month of June. The campaign poster used the tagline; “Grab a drink and show off those PJ Powers”.Powers, who is a recovering alcoholic of almost 6 years, was offended by the use of her name in this campaign. She said that she was never approached about it, and if she had been she would have said no.
PJ’s manager posted this on her Facebook page:
“As many of you know PJ is a recovered alcoholic. She has not drunk for five and a half years. Those of you who know anything about addiction will know that this is a massively courageous journey that takes daily focus and application. She has made her alcoholism public because that is who she is – she is a transparent and authentic person which has shared the ups and downs of her life. The Spar chain owns TOPS liquor stores. They have been running ads such as the ones below for the last few weeks, without getting approval from PJ. They think this is OK. We dont. We especially don’t because they are liquor ads and alcoholism nearly killed her. PJ is deeply offended and upset by these ads.”Tops has responded saying “We would like to apologise 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.”
“As many of you know PJ is a recovered alcoholic. She has not drunk for five and a half years. Those of you who know anything about addiction will know that this is a massively courageous journey that takes daily focus and application. She has made her alcoholism public because that is who she is – she is a transparent and authentic person which has shared the ups and downs of her life. The Spar chain owns TOPS liquor stores. They have been running ads such as the ones below for the last few weeks, without getting approval from PJ. They think this is OK. We dont. We especially don’t because they are liquor ads and alcoholism nearly killed her. PJ is deeply offended and upset by these ads.”Tops has responded saying “We would like to apologise 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.”
Power’s has logged a formal complaint with the ASASA
