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1994.01.07 : Withdrawal of AIDS-Prevention Public Service Announcement

Contact: HHS Press Office 
Friday, Jan. 7, 1994                               (202) 690-6343

   Withdrawal of AIDS-Prevention Public Service Announcement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ordered the
immediate withdrawal of its AIDS prevention public service
announcement for radio featuring "Red Hot Chili Peppers" singer
Anthony Kiedis.

The CDC said it took the action upon learning from news reports
that Kiedis was convicted in 1990 of misdemeanor charges of
indecent exposure and sexual battery.

"We do not feel he is an appropriate spokesperson," said David
Satcher, M.D., CDC director.  "I've ordered the advertising agency
responsible for the ads, Ogilvy & Mather South, to provide us with
a detailed report about the recruitment and selection of Mr.
Kiedis."

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala said she was outraged when told
about the background of Kiedis.  She concurred with Dr. Satcher's
decision to withdraw the ad.  "We must not allow a single ad to
overshadow the vital life-saving message in the campaign," she
said.

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