Chris Brown Officially Out as Wrigley Gum Pitchman

The Wrigley Company has finally ended its commercial deal with Chris Brown, nearly six months after Brown's altercation with Rihanna forced the gum makers to suspend Brown as a pitchmen, Reuters reports. As Rock Daily wrote in June 2008, Brown's hit "Forever" doubled both as a hit single and the new theme jingle for Doublemint gum, with Brown admitting the song spawned out of a 30-minute writing session while crafting the gum's jingle. Brown featured in commercials for Doublemint gum until his arrest stemming from the February 8th incident, with Wrigley saying they were simply suspending the ads pending the verdict of the criminal trial. Brown pleaded guilty in exchange for no jail time on June 22nd.

Wrigley has decided to sever their ties with Brown at a curious time: Brown apologized in a video to Rihanna and his fans after pleading guilty to assault, plus "Forever" has exploded back onto the singles chart thanks to a viral JK Wedding Dance video. However, with "Forever" back in the spotlight, perhaps Wrigley's is concerned people are once again associating the candy company with the beleaguered singer — the song does feature the Doublemint catch phrase "Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun" — perhaps leading to the termination of Brown's contract.

As Rock Daily reported earlier this week, though his official sentencing was delayed until later this month, Brown will likely be sentenced to five years probation and 180 days of community service. Just last week, Brown performed at the Virginia Beach, Virginia stop of Lil Wayne's America's Most Wanted tour, taking the stage for the first time since the February 8th altercation.

Related Stories:
• Surprise! Your Favorite Chris Brown Song is a Gum Ad
• Chris Brown Issues Video Apology for Rihanna Assault
• Chris Brown Avoids Jail Time With Rihanna Assault Plea Deal

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Song Stories

“Is It True”

Brenda Lee | 1964

As the British Invasion reached its peak in 1964, Brenda Lee went from Nashville to London to record one of her hardest-rocking hits, her perky vocal backed by a stuttering, squalling guitar. That guitar was played by session musician Jimmy Page, yet to skyrocket to fame with first the Yardbirds and then Led Zeppelin. "She said to me, 'I've come here to make a record with the British sound,'" remembered producer Mickie Most. "She felt she wouldn't get the same sound in Nashville because they're only just catching up on the British beat group sound of about six months ago."

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