We talked about this phenomenon before -- reverse advertising or unbranding -- in regard to Snooki of "Jersey Shore" fame whereby owners of famous brands sent her clothes with competitors' labels so people would associate her with someone else's brand.
That's a rather ignoble way to make money, being bribed not to be associated with a product. But it's the marketplace at work.
And now we learn that another one of those show stars is getting the bum's payoff. Newslite.tv:
A spokesperson for Abercrombie and Fitch said: "We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino's association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image." ...
"We have therefore offered a substantial payment to Michael 'The Situation' Sorrentino and the producers of MTV's The Jersey Shore to have the character wear an alternate brand.
"We have also extended this offer to other members of the cast, and are urgently waiting a response."
Seems like there's room for extortion in there somewhere. "Nice set of sneakers you're selling. It would be a shame if everyone saw me wearing them."
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