Santa Paula, CA-April 22, 2010 - Earlier this week, automotive equipment company BendPak issued an official statement on their corporate blog responding to inquiries about continued business relationships with troubled celebrity Jesse James:
"In the wake of the recent scandal, we've received several e-mails about the presence of Jesse James on the BendPak site and in various marketing materials. The events of the past few months have brought national attention to the practice of celebrity endorsements, and it appears that the expected thing to do in light of Jesse James's recent personal problems is to drop him rather than risk a detrimental business association."
The post goes on to state that, although the company does not condone Jesse's alleged actions, their ten-year business relationship is based solely on Jesse's skills as a fabricator and entertainer.
"Regardless of his personal indiscretions, Jesse has been-and still is-an excellent craftsman, an automotive icon and an entertainer to millions," said Jeff Kritzer, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing. "Jesse James has stood by BendPak products for years and we'd be remiss if we didn't return the favor by sticking with him at his lowest point."