Lara Bingle and Michael Clarke have been dumped as the
'faces' of an energy drink following their split.
Bingle and Clarke teamed up for Synergy Drinks last year,
doing a steamy photo shoot, to represent the brand in an
endorsement deal reportedly worth hundreds of thousands of
dollars a year.
But the company announced today that they will be ending
their relationship with the pair as they no longer represent
the brand's values.
"Due to recent events and the announcement of Michael and
Lara's separation, they no longer represent Synergys core
values; that of 'forces combining to create greater healthier
energy'," the company said in a statement to AAP.
"As a result, Synergy Drinks has decided to terminate the
contract with Michael and Lara as a couple."
The company said they offer "sincere regards to both of them
and and wish them well at this difficult time".
The glamour couple officially announced the termination of
their engagement on Friday night, ending days of speculation.
International Quarterback, the public relations firm
representing the star cricketer, broke the news in a brief
statement to the media around 10pm (AEDT) on Friday.
"Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle have decided to end their
engagement," the statement read.
"They ask the media to respect their privacy during this
difficult time. No further comment will be made."
The Sydney media hounded the pair in the days leading up to
the announcement after scandal forced Clarke to abandon the
New Zealand one-day cricket tour and return to Sydney.
Just days ago, Bingle was photographed without her engagement
ring holding one of the Synergy Drinks.
It's understood the breakup came after Bingle, 22, gave an
exclusive interview with Women's Day magazine into the nude
picture scandal that broke over 10 days ago.
She claims AFL footballer Brendan Fevola circulated a nude
photo of her taken in a shower during an affair between the
pair in 2006 and is seeking to sue him in court.
On Thursday, it was reported Clarke was opposed to Bingle
granting the interview, saying it would resurrect old news
and intrude into the couple's private life.
It has been reported Bingle was paid as much as $A200,000
($NZ251,412) for the interview and photo shoot, but her
manager Max Markson and the magazine have denied this.
Markson said Bingle had decided to give an "undisclosed
amount" of the money she was paid for the interview to
charity.
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