SPAR supermarkets, to whom the TOPS stores belong, say the advertisement is built around the theme of Pajama (PJ) Parties. “Therefore the line was written to highlight the theme and linked to the message from our Minister of Parties & Recreation ‘No slumber, only Party!’ ” says the store management.
In a statement reacting to an outraged PJ Powers who claims she never gave permission for her name to be used in the advertisement, the store says the line was never used with malicious intent and put out to offend or cause anyone any harm.
“PJ’s is a widely used term for Pajamas and we believe that it is quite clear if you look at all our ads for the month of June where lines like: ‘Accessorise your PJ’s with something red’ and ‘No sleep only Party’ were used to further highlight the theme. Included in all the June ads is the TOPS Minister of Parties & Recreation wearing his nightgown.”
The store says it did respond to Yvonne, PJ Powers’ agent. “At no time was TOPS ever trying to poke fun at PJ Powers and her struggle with alcohol. It was only our intent to get the June theme across in a fun and light-hearted manner.”
