People took to Twitter to comment, with comedian Travon Free saying: “The Kendall Jenner Pepsi fiasco is a perfect example of what happens when there’s no black people in the room when decisions are being made,” which has been retweeted more than 3,000 times.
Another tweeter wrote: “Can’t believe Kendall Jenner just solved institutionalized racism and oppression by giving a cop a Pepsi. Groundbreaking.”
The ad has also been compared with the image of Ieshia Evans who was arrested by police at a protest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2016. Taryn Finley wrote: “Could you be any more blatant with the disrespect and appropriation of a movement, @Pepsi? Is this a sick joke?!”
A Pepsi spokesperson said in an emailed statement: “This is a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that’s an important message to convey.”