Update: A representative for Pepsi provided the following statement to Breitbart News late Tuesday night: “This is a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that’s an important message to convey. “

Original story below:

Model-actress Kendall Jenner and soda giant Pepsi came under harsh criticism on social media Tuesday for a new commercial that appears to use the backdrop of politically-charged protests to hawk more soda.

In the nearly three-minute ad — titled “Live for Now Moments Anthem” — Jenner is pictured on a modeling shoot in New York City when a sizable crowd of protesters streams past holding signs and demonstrating in the streets.

Soon, Jenner takes off her blonde wig and joins the protesters, who appear to be styled after anti-Donald Trump “resistance” demonstrators. The model steps through the crowd holding a can of Pepsi, which she then hands to one of the police officers watching the protest; the officer accepts the can, to the loud cheers of everyone in the streets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCEm21aTh5Q

The advertisement spurred a widespread backlash online, particularly among progressives and social justice activists, with hundreds of social media users weighing in with mostly negative feedback as “Pepsi” began trending on Twitter Tuesday afternoon.

Some critics took aim at the ad’s apparent suggestion that sharing a soda with a police officer could end racial discrimination, while others — including comedian Patton Oswalt — joked about the soda’s mythical life-saving qualities.

Below is a sampling of social media reaction to the ad.

A representative for Pepsi did not immediately return a request for comment.

Idk how appropriation of today's protesting can be thought of as a good idea, yea just hand the cops a Pepsi and racial profiling will end! — Rory Fitzpatrick♛ (@StopRory) April 4, 2017

J. Edgar Hoover takes aim from the grassy knoll. The motorcade approaches. He fires. JFK raises a #Pepsi to his lips, blocks the bullet. — Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 5, 2017

"Now just wait one second officers. I have a Pepsi." pic.twitter.com/NW0sddKOOI — Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 5, 2017

The very real struggle of the marganilized to survive under Trump is not an opportunity for @KendallJenner and @Pepsi to market themselves. — Brianna Wu (@BriannaWu) April 5, 2017

The closest Kendall has been to a protest is Coachella. Of all the young celebrities who are activists on a daily basis @pepsi choices her? — Nichelle Lee (@NickiLee123) April 5, 2017

https://twitter.com/cali07109/status/849426383583543297

@pepsi @PepsiCo Ur for real pathetic with this bogus "protest" ad. Talk about co-opting #TheResistance. We're not amused or impressed. — Kincaid (@kincaid323) April 5, 2017

Why would anyone think

That giving a cop a drink

Would bring about change?

We still think you're strange.

Pls dump that Pepsi down the sink. — Paige Lyons (@waterrwithlemon) April 5, 2017

https://twitter.com/Oramihigh/status/849425723207057410

https://twitter.com/KENNotBeStopped/status/849425386140307458

Follow Daniel Nussbaum on Twitter: @dznussbaum