CYPRUS—Executives of KEO beer, a popular Greek brew, are considering suing the makers of an American porn film in which its beer was featured.
In an ironic twist, the Orthodox Church of Cyprus owns 20 percent of the beer brand.
According to the company, the video appears to have been shot inside a Greek tavern in New York.
"I have not spoken to our church representatives yet but the board will meet tomorrow to see if there are any legal means to have these scenes, showing our product, removed,” KEO commercial director Elias Sozou told AFP.
"Although I am not an expert on legal matters, I am aware that there is a different legal framework for outside the EU when it comes to showing brand products on television or in films,” Sozou said.
In the unnamed adult movie, a couple briefly discusses the beer and its Greek origin before having sex. One graphic scene includes a female poring the beer into another person’s mouth from her cleavage.
The church would not approve.
"We are always searching for ways to promote our products and Cyprus throughout the world, but this is certainly not a path we would have chosen," Sozou said. "We were disappointed to discover that our beer was promoted in this pornographic film."
KEO, the Greek abbreviation for Cyprus Wine Company, has history dating back to 1927. It’s one of the largest industrial employers on the island nation.
