Juul's Controversial Partnership with Reverend Al Sharpton Raises Concerns

Business by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feb.04.2024
Juul's Controversial Partnership with Reverend Al Sharpton Raises Concerns
E-cigarette manufacturer Juul's aggressive strategy to win support from black leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, has been revealed.

According to a report by statnews on February 3rd, new public documents have revealed the aggressive strategies employed by e-cigarette manufacturer Juul in order to gain support from African American leaders. This includes a collaboration with Reverend Al Sharpton and others. The information comes from internal emails and files that were made public this week as part of the associated materials in Juul's settlement with the North Carolina courts.

 

In 2018, Juul senior executives, including the CEO, began discussing collaborations with civil rights organizations, involving millions of dollars in donations. In one such collaboration, Juul donated up to $7 million to Sharpton's organization.

 

Juul's collaborative strategy has proven successful in gaining market share for its e-cigarette products. However, it has also raised questions about the transparency and genuine motives behind such partnerships, sparking debates on the ethical implications and moral influence of such behavior. Many argue that this association could potentially have detrimental effects on consumers and public health.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Enters House of Lords Report Stage
UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Enters House of Lords Report Stage
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has entered the report stage in the UK House of Lords, with further examination scheduled to begin on February 24, 2026. The legislation aims to create the first “smoke-free generation” by ensuring that individuals who are 15 years old or younger in 2026 can never legally be sold tobacco.
Regulations
Feb.22
Product | Clear Tank, Airflow Control and Three-Dimension Flavor Labels: RELX Launches Disposable DIVA in South Korea
Product | Clear Tank, Airflow Control and Three-Dimension Flavor Labels: RELX Launches Disposable DIVA in South Korea
RELX has recently launched its disposable e-cigarette, the RELX DIVA, on online channels in South Korea, offering two nicotine strengths of 0.98% and 1.98%. Publicly available information shows the device features a 20 mL e-liquid capacity and is rated for around 30,000 puffs, alongside a 750 mAh rechargeable battery and two power modes—BOOST and ECO—at approximately 16W and 13W, respectively.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Myanmar announces ban on e-cigarettes, covering imports/exports, sales, possession and use
Myanmar announces ban on e-cigarettes, covering imports/exports, sales, possession and use
Myanmar’s Ministry of Health said it has received cabinet authorization to enforce an e-cigarette ban under the Essential Supplies and Services Law, listing prohibited acts including the import, export, sale, possession, storage, carrying, distribution and use of vaping products.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan is considering administrative penalties for the use, import, export, production, wholesale and retail sale, and storage for sale of e-cigarettes, including confiscation of products. The proposed amendments were discussed at a parliamentary committee meeting. The draft sets fine ranges for individuals, officials, and legal entities, and introduces a separate fine for vaping in prohibited places and public areas.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
22nd Century Positions VLN® Cigarettes for Growth as FDA Considers 0.7 mg/g Nicotine Cap
22nd Century Positions VLN® Cigarettes for Growth as FDA Considers 0.7 mg/g Nicotine Cap
22nd Century Group (Nasdaq: XXII) reported early commercial momentum for its FDA-authorized VLN® very low nicotine cigarettes, distributing approximately 8,800 cartons across 1,700 new U.S. retail outlets in the fourth quarter of 2025, while forecasting expansion to more than 5,000 retail points in 2026.
Business
Feb.24
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed Gabriella Offeddu as general manager for Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria, effective January 2026.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai