It only took 34 years, but Pepsi has finally released a shelved commercial it shot with Madonna back in 1989.
The soft drink manufacturer aired the ad last night during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, which was originally made as part of a $5 million endorsement deal the Queen of Pop signed with Pepsi.
At the time Madonna was just about to release her controversial single, "Like A Prayer," in which she kisses a Black man portraying a saint. One day after Pepsi released the ad, however, multiple religious organizations, including the Vatican, shared their contempt, protesting the clip.
Madonna celebrated the decision to finally release the ad on socials, writing, "34 years ago I made a commercial with Pepsi to celebrate the release of my song Like a Prayer. The commercial was immediately canceled when I refused to change any scenes in the video where I was kissing a black saint or burning crosses.
So began my illustrious career as an artist refusing to compromise my artistic integrity. Thank you @pepsi for finally realizing the genius of our collaboration. Artists are here to disturb the peace."
See the post below.