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

Product | VOZOL Launches Two SLEEK-Series Devices Compatible with Mesh and Ceramic Coils
Product | VOZOL Launches Two SLEEK-Series Devices Compatible with Mesh and Ceramic Coils
VOZOL expands its SLEEK line with the SLEEK VISION e-cigarette, which uses the same series pods and supports both mesh and ceramic coils. SLEEK VISION features a boxier design with a 0.99-inch display for battery level and mode, and upgrades the battery to 900 mAh (vs. 600 mAh on SLEEK).
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Expert Warns in 2Firsts Op-ed: Proposed COP11 Ban on Nicotine Pouches Would Be a Global Public Health Mistake
Expert Warns in 2Firsts Op-ed: Proposed COP11 Ban on Nicotine Pouches Would Be a Global Public Health Mistake
As global delegates prepare for COP11, a leaked EU position paper has sparked fresh debate over the future of nicotine pouch regulation. In an exclusive op-ed submitted to 2Firsts, Dr. Nveed Chaudhary, Chair of GINN’s Scientific Committee, argues that banning nicotine pouches would be a profound public health mistake—one that ignores harm reduction science and risks reversing global progress in smoking cessation.
Nov.03
Over 179,000 E-Cigarettes Destroyed in Samut Prakan as Thai Government Tightens Enforcement
Over 179,000 E-Cigarettes Destroyed in Samut Prakan as Thai Government Tightens Enforcement
Thailand’s Office of the Prime Minister, led by Minister Santi Piyatat, has destroyed nearly 179,000 confiscated e-cigarettes and accessories worth 33 million baht (approx. USD 1,020,000) as part of the government’s ongoing campaign for a “Vape-Free Thai Society.”Officials said the action demonstrates Thailand’s strict enforcement of anti-vaping laws and its commitment to protecting youth and public health.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI launches Ploom AURA new heated tobacco device device in Romania
JTI launches Ploom AURA new heated tobacco device device in Romania
Japan Tobacco International(JTI) introduces Ploom AURA in Romania, combining SMART HEATFLOW technology to preserve tobacco flavor, aiming at high-end consumers.
Oct.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoking Among Korean Men in Their 30s Plummets as E-Cigarettes Become the Main Substitute
Smoking Among Korean Men in Their 30s Plummets as E-Cigarettes Become the Main Substitute
KDCA reports cigarette smoking among Korean men in their 30s fell from 48% (2015) to 28.5% (2024). Including e-cigarettes, overall use was 40.1% in 2024—just 4.9 points below 2019—suggesting a shift to alternatives.
Oct.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction
PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction
PMI Malaysia says Japan and New Zealand’s regulated smoke-free alternatives have hastened smoking declines, whereas Thailand’s post-2014 ban drives smokers to cigarettes or the black market—evidence, PMI argues, that pairing regulated alternatives with traditional controls could improve public health faster.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai