Samsung sues 'Putin's goddaughter' for $1.6mn: Here's why
What's the story
Although it's not unusual for celebrities promoting Android brands to use iPhones, Samsung seems to have taken serious issue with it. Reportedly, the Korean giant has sued its Russian brand ambassador for a whopping $1.6mn for using an iPhone when she is, by contract, required to use a Samsung device. The brand ambassador is widely believed to be Putin's goddaughter. Here are the details.
Lawsuit
Samsung sued the ambassador after repeated breaches of contract
The lawsuit against Ksenia Sobchak, the face of Samsung in Russia, comes after the reality TV show star and politician repeatedly breached terms of her contract with Samsung that requires her to use a Samsung smartphone publicly. Sobchak was caught using iPhones several times on television, and at some of the most major social events in Moscow. Understandably, Samsung didn't take kindly to it.
Ksenia Sobchak
Who is Ksenia Sobchak?
For those unaware, Ksenia Sobchak ran against Putin in the Russian presidential elections earlier this year, but is widely believed to be the goddaughter of the Russian president. Notably, at the age of 36, she was the youngest Russian presidential candidate ever. Sobchak is also reputed to be a 'party girl', and has often been said to be the Russian equivalent of Paris Hilton.
Others
Other celebrities who were caught in similar situations
Sobchak's case marks yet another incident of celebrities using iPhones despite being paid to promote Android brands. In 2014, Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine promoted the launch of Samsung's Milk Music service, but was caught using an iPhone shortly afterwards. Others like tennis player David Ferrer, actress and Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot, etc. have all been caught in similar situations.