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

BAT Japan opens Glo flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district, offering glo devices and tobacco sticks,
BAT Japan opens Glo flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district, offering glo devices and tobacco sticks,
BAT Japan's flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district opens, offering glo products, personalization services, and a VIP lounge.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International Restructures to Drive Its Smoke-Free Transformation
Philip Morris International Restructures to Drive Its Smoke-Free Transformation
Philip Morris International (PMI) announced a new organizational model effective January 1, 2026, creating two main business units — PMI International and PMI U.S. — to accelerate its smoke-free strategy. The restructuring replaces four regional segments with three: International Smoke-Free, International Combustibles, and U.S., enhancing agility, governance, and long-term growth in reduced-risk products.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Perm Region Finalises Law Banning E-Cigarettes from March Next Year
Russia’s Perm Region Finalises Law Banning E-Cigarettes from March Next Year
The Governor of Russia’s Perm Region has confirmed that the newly adopted regional law banning vapes will take effect on March 1, 2026, despite lobbying from manufacturers and pressure from the federal level. The law prohibits the sale of all vaping products within the region, with penalties for violators, including fines for kiosks operating in residential areas.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal tobacco syndicate dominates Australia’s vape market through threats and extortion
Illegal tobacco syndicate dominates Australia’s vape market through threats and extortion
Australia’s The Age has revealed that a local tobacco cartel is working with a crime syndicate to dominate the illicit vape trade. The Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted 115,200 vapes worth A$4.5 million disguised as “furniture” at Sydney port. Authorities say over 12 million illegal vapes have been seized since 2024.
Nov.03
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Launches New Slay Nicotine Pouch Brand in UK Targeting Female Consumers
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Launches New Slay Nicotine Pouch Brand in UK Targeting Female Consumers
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Group has launched its Slay nicotine pouch brand in the UK, featuring compact, pastel-toned packaging and backed by a multi-million-pound investment and retail pilot programme to build its presence in the local market.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea to ban vape vending machines near schools from February 15, 2026
South Korea to ban vape vending machines near schools from February 15, 2026
Starting from February 15, 2026, South Korea bans e-cigarette vending machines within 200m of schools to protect youth from nicotine products.
Oct.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai