Sun care brand Supergoop! has said that it will be standing by Co-owner and spokesperson Maria Sharapova despite revelations that the tennis star failed a drugs test earlier this year.
Sharapova has admitted taking the drug Meldonium since 2006 for health reasons. The substance was banned at the start of 2016 after suggestions that it was being used to enhance athletic performance. The drug was detected in samples provided by the athlete at the Australian Open.
Russian Sharapova is currently the world’s best paid female athlete but is expected to lose several key sponsorship deals after failing the test earlier this year.
LVMH-owned TAG Heuer has said that it will not be renewing its sponsorship deal with Sharapova, while Porsche announced that it is postponing its planned activity with the star. Sports brand Nike also said that it would be suspending its relationship with Sharapova while the investigation continues.
However, the prestige sun care brand Supergoop!, which Sharapova co-owns, has said that it will be sticking by its spokesperson. In a statement, Founder and CEO, Holly Thaggard, said: “While we are surprised and disheartened by Maria Sharapova’s recent announcement, we value our relationship with her as a co-owner of Supergoop! and ambassador for our common cause of conquering the epidemic of skin cancer.”
Thaggard added: “We appreciate Maria’s candour and will continue to support her as the ITF investigation unfolds.”
Sharapova is also the face of Lucky – a perfume by US brand Avon. Avon has yet to make any comment on Sharapova's future with its company.
