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

Russia’s Rostov Region Eyes Full Vape Sales Ban, Signals Tighter Tobacco Retail Rules
Russia’s Rostov Region Eyes Full Vape Sales Ban, Signals Tighter Tobacco Retail Rules
Russia’s Rostov region is preparing to pursue a region-wide ban on vape sales and is also signaling support for broader regional powers to tighten tobacco retail rules. A regional lawmaker said the initiative aligns with a State Duma bill that would allow regions to impose vape sales bans—an initiative he said has presidential backing.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco to close South Africa cigarette plant by end-2026, citing illicit trade squeezing legal market
British American Tobacco to close South Africa cigarette plant by end-2026, citing illicit trade squeezing legal market
British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) said it will halt local production of factory-made cigarettes and close its manufacturing plant in Heidelberg, Gauteng by the end of 2026, shifting to an import-led supply model. The company said illicit cigarettes now account for about 75% of South Africa’s market, making local manufacturing “unsustainable” and putting around 230 jobs at risk.
Jan.16
Product | Claiming a “first multi-beverage vaporizer” with refillable juice/cocktail water chamber, PEAKBAR launches new device in the U.S.
Product | Claiming a “first multi-beverage vaporizer” with refillable juice/cocktail water chamber, PEAKBAR launches new device in the U.S.
PEAKBAR’s new H2O 40K has begun selling through U.S. online retailers including Vape Sourcing. Marketed as the “world’s first multi-beverage vaporizer,” the device is promoted as allowing users to add liquids such as juice and cocktails into a water chamber for pairing. Publicly listed specifications include 20 ml of e-liquid, a rated 40,000 puffs, 0.5% nicotine, a 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery, and two power modes at 22W and 12W.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s customs data show vape (REL) excise revenue reached Rp 2.84 trillion in 2025 (≈$170.4 million), up 7.38% year over year. The gain came even as overall tobacco excise revenue declined. Minimum retail price benchmarks (HJE) for vape products rose in 2025, while excise rates remained unchanged from 2024; open-system e-liquids accounted for the largest share of revenue.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IQOS Japan launches three ILUMA i custom bundle sets with leather wrap and premium ring accessories, on sale from Jan 29
IQOS Japan launches three ILUMA i custom bundle sets with leather wrap and premium ring accessories, on sale from Jan 29
According to IQOS Japan’s official website, the company has introduced three custom bundle sets for its IQOS ILUMA i lineup, combining devices with accessories as bundled offerings, and began rolling them out across multiple sales channels from Jan. 29.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reports full-year 2025 results with net revenues of $40.6 billion and smoke-free net revenues were about $16.9 billion
PMI reports full-year 2025 results with net revenues of $40.6 billion and smoke-free net revenues were about $16.9 billion
Philip Morris International (PMI) released its Q4 and full-year 2025 results on February 6, 2026. PMI reported full-year net revenues of $40,648 million ($40.6 billion), reported diluted EPS of $7.26 and adjusted diluted EPS of $7.54. PMI said smoke-free net revenues were $16.9 billion and represented 41.5% of total net revenues, with smoke-free products available in 106 markets and over 43 million estimated adult consumers.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai