Time out on NBA star Ben Simmons' Victorian tourism deal
His last trip to Victoria was plagued with controversy, and now homegrown NBA star Ben Simmons’ lucrative tourism deal with the Victorian government has been put on pause.
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NBA star Ben Simmons’ tourism deal with the Victorian Government has been paused amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simmons’ lucrative arrangement with the state is ongoing but remains confidential.
“Visit Victoria has paused international advertising due to the current restrictions on international travel,’’ said Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements.
“When the time is right we look forward to using Ben’s global profile to help attract international visitors back to Victoria.”
Other agreements paused include golf ambassadors, Geoff Ogilvy and Karrie Webb.
Simmons’ contract came under question late last year after the state ambassador failed to run social media content from his hometown visit in August.
The much-loved US based star was on a rumoured $50,000 commercial arrangement, however, the taxpayer-funded agency confirmed he had not posted any contracted social media content to his then 4.6 followers.
That revelation came after Simmons’ visit earlier last year became a PR disaster.
First, the star revealed he was pulling out of the basketball world cup and Australia’s exhibition game against Team USA after he signed a $240 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Then on a night out the 23-year-old posted a video slamming Crown Casino for alleged racial profiling when he and his entourage were denied entry after refusing to show ID.
While touring Victoria Simmons did post social media snaps of him with family and friends at the Zoo, taking helicopter rides and visiting AFL players at Marvel Stadium.
However, Visit Victoria said none of the posts were labelled as paid content and were not the material agreed upon under the deal.
Under Australian law, influencers can face fines of up to $220,000 for not declaring paid posts and for brands up to $1.1 million.
Tourism Australia has used a similar social media campaign employing Chris Hemsworth to promote Western Australia.
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