Joco Today

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, along with Senator Mike Braun, has written a letter to Paramount and CBS, urging them to pull a Super Bowl commercial by Temu, an online marketplace backed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The senators argue that Temu floods the United States with cheap goods produced by forced labor in China and that Paramount and CBS should not be promoting companies that consistently violate U.S. laws.

The letter highlights the findings of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on the CCP, which uncovered alarming information about Temu's noncompliance with illicit products made with forced labor entering the U.S. market. According to the committee, Temu conducts no audits and reports no compliance system to ensure adherence to the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act (UFLPA). The company only relies on suppliers agreeing to boilerplate terms and conditions that prohibit the use of forced labor. Additionally, Temu does not prohibit third-party sellers from selling products originating from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, an area known for human rights abuses.

Senator Marshall and Senator Braun express their concerns about the promotion of a CCP-linked company, especially considering the recent inclusion of Temu's China-based parent company, Pinduoduo, in the U.S. Trade Representative's Notorious Markets List for the sixth consecutive year. Pinduoduo has been known for intellectual property theft, copyright piracy, and selling counterfeit goods.

The senators conclude their letter by strongly encouraging Paramount and CBS to reconsider airing the commercial, stating, "We strongly encourage you to pull Chinese propaganda from your ad lineup this year."

This letter serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the United States and China regarding forced labor and human rights violations. It is a call to action for companies to be more vigilant in vetting their business partners and ensuring compliance with U.S. laws. The Super Bowl, being one of the most-watched events in the country, provides a significant platform for companies to showcase their products and values. Paramount and CBS now face the decision of whether to align themselves with a CCP-backed company or prioritize ethical business practices.