Series of artists and beauty queens advertise 'questionable' products: Performing Arts Department speaks out

In recent days, the crackdown on a network producing 573 counterfeit milk brands for diabetics, kidney failure patients, premature babies, pregnant women... has stirred up public outrage.

According to the images, some artists and celebrities promoting multi-functional milk advertisements, exaggerating the benefits, have been widely shared on social media. Among them, NSND Hong Van, Doan Quoc Dam, MC Hoang Linh... have been named by netizens, sharing images, leading to a lot of conflicting comments.

According to the clip, Doan Quoc Dam and MC Hoang Linh appeared in an advertisement for Cilonmum milk, which is part of a massive fake powdered milk production and business network that has just been investigated and busted by authorities.

In a video advertisement for Cilonmum Colos IQ Grow 24h milk for children aged 1-15 by Ranse Pharma, actor Doan Quoc Dam affirmed that he and his wife thoroughly researched this product before giving it to their child. The male actor even continuously affirmed that "this milk production plant is certified by the FDA of the USA for safe production" and "achieved many superior production technology achievements."

In another video, MC Hoang Linh also praised the Cilonmum milk line. She said she noticed a clear change in her child after drinking the milk, such as improved appetite and reduced constipation. She was happy to have found good milk for her child.

Speaking to Dan Tri reporters, NSND Xuan Bac - Head of the Performing Arts Department - said that he was aware of the information about artists being named in some fake milk commercials recently.

According to Xuan Bac, artists or any individuals with influence in the community must first fulfill their obligations and responsibilities as citizens.

When artists or celebrities use the trust and attention of the public to spread positive values and good things in society, it is something to be appreciated. If they introduce products they have used, have had a good experience with, and want to share with the community, it should be encouraged.

"However, for cases where celebrities abuse their fame to deliberately advertise false truths, exaggerate the benefits of the product, we need to clarify what regulations they have violated, the extent of the violations, and how those actions negatively impact the community and society, in order to take appropriate actions," NSND Xuan Bac said.

The Head of the Performing Arts Department also mentioned that the law does not prohibit artists from using their images in commercial promotion activities.

However, all activities must strictly comply with legal regulations, ensure the accuracy of information, and maintain market efficiency for the brand while providing deserving rewards for the artists.

When asked about the behavior of many artists who apologize when caught in false or misleading advertisements and then stop, what does he think about this behavior?

NSND Xuan Bac shared that anyone who makes a mistake and acknowledges their mistake can sincerely apologize. Whether forgiveness is granted or not is entirely the decision of the person being apologized to.

"For me personally, not only artists but anyone who deliberately provides false information for personal gain or deception must be dealt with according to the law.

In addition to legal regulations, there is also evaluation, or you could say 'judgment,' from the audience, consumers," NSND Xuan Bac said bluntly.

NSND Xuan Bac also mentioned that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Information and Communications (formerly) have rules of conduct for artistic activities, conduct rules for online spaces.

In the near future, the Performing Arts Department will advise the Ministry to have binding regulations, adjust behaviors, and raise awareness among artistic practitioners. This will help artists have a political and social awareness, be responsible citizens, and spread good values.

"For those who deliberately violate, or systematically violate, do not learn lessons, do not make positive changes, they need to be removed.

Investigative agencies, authorities, have a responsibility to determine whether the actions of artists are deliberate or if they are also victims, so that we can handle it reasonably, with enough deterrence but ensuring the tolerance, objectivity, and fairness of the law," the Head of the Performing Arts Department candidly stated.