Consumers are Watching as Celebrities Make the Switch to the smokeless Cigarette
The paparazzi are taking note as big names in television and movies bring the e cigarette into mainstream culture. The party lifestyle that is synonymous with Hollywood has always glamorized smoking, but health concerns have caused fans to express outrage when celebrities are seen with cigarettes.
Some of the most embattled stars are turning to e-cigarette use. Whether their attempts will clean up their image and boost sales for the device remain to be seen.
Mel Gibson, whose battle to give up tobacco has been extensively covered in the media, was seen with an e cigarette as he left a private party this fall.
Entourage personality Jeremy Piven was also spotted with the smoking alternative at the same party, prompting this statement from manufacturer South Beach Smoke, capitalizing on the good press:
“We are thrilled that Mel Gibson and Jeremy Piven enjoyed our products. Personally, we are all huge fans of Mel Gibson and Jeremy Piven’s work and are honored that such talented and recognizable people have discovered what thousands of people already know – that e cigarettes from South Beach Smoke are better in every way than traditional cigarettes.”Charlie Sheen, who was at one time the highest paid television actor, has started his own electronic cigarette company, which he named NicoSheen.
Despite all this press, large retail stores still do not sell E-cigs.
Walmart electronic cigarettes
For example, are not yet for sale online or in their stores.
Lindsay Lohan was photographed with an electronic cigarette while on house arrest, prompted many to speculate that she is embracing a healthier lifestyle. Britney Spears and her former husband Kevin Federline are both avid users, perhaps because of the fallout after news reports of cigarette smoke near their children.
The e cigarette was given a popularity boost when they debuted in The Tourist, starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Johnny lauded the benefits of making the switch from tobacco throughout the film, in perhaps the first widely distributed on-screen appearance of the product.
In one scene, he uses the device while traveling by train, reminding viewers that electronic cigarette users enjoy easier travel than those smoking regular tobacco.
Photographs of Leonardo DiCaprio biking with an smokeless cigarette in his mouth offer prime illustration of consumers’ frequent comments that this alternative leads to greater ability to exercise and overall better health.
A late night appearance on the David Letterman show in September 2010 by Katherine Heigl and her e cigarette did more to enhance the image of the industry than perhaps any other