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

BBC survey: over half of secondary teachers in England say vaping is a problem at their school
BBC survey: over half of secondary teachers in England say vaping is a problem at their school
Granville Academy in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has joined a county pilot overseen by Derbyshire County Council that puts pupils in charge of reducing vaping in school. After reports of pupils stealing vapes, vaping in toilets and using them while walking home, the school found detentions were not effective and shifted to peer-led education sessions, assemblies and health-warning signage.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New Nicotine Products Added to Tax List in Delaware Budget Proposal
New Nicotine Products Added to Tax List in Delaware Budget Proposal
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer’s proposed FY2027 budget would significantly raise cigarette and nicotine product taxes to help close a $500 million budget gap and generate new revenue. The cigarette tax would rise from $2.10 to $3.60 per pack, with increases on moist snuff, e-liquids and other tobacco products. Supporters say the move is justified, while small businesses warn of potential sales losses.
Feb.17
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Bangkok police said they raided two warehouse locations linked to an online distribution network for illicit vaping/heated-tobacco products, seizing IQOS ILUMA i devices and large quantities of TEREA sticks worth more than 30 million baht (about US$960,000). Three suspects described as administrators and caretakers were arrested, while investigators probe suspected smuggling routes and unpaid excise liabilities.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Iowa House says governor’s tobacco and vape tax hikes are in a “holding pattern”
Iowa House says governor’s tobacco and vape tax hikes are in a “holding pattern”
Radio Iowa reported that House Speaker Pat Grassley said House Republicans are wrestling with Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proposal to raise Iowa’s tax on tobacco products and impose a new 15% sales tax on vaping products. Grassley said the idea is in a “holding pattern,” noting it does not align neatly with recent Republican moves to cut income taxes, and that House Republicans already removed the proposed tax increase from the governor’s MAHA bill.
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
Fiscal benefit, not health, strongest indicator for vape bans – Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
Fiscal benefit, not health, strongest indicator for vape bans – Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
Data shows 75% of nations with state stakes in tobacco trade ban modern substitutes compared to 10% in the free-market group. What is driving these divergent regulations?
Feb.04