Cricket
Clarke calls off engagement
2010-03-13 10:31
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Sydney - 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But the company announced on Saturday that they will be ending their relationship with the pair as they no longer represent the brand's values.
"Due to recent events and the announcement of Michael and Lara's separation, they no longer represent Synergy's core values; that of 'forces combining to create greater healthier energy'," the company said in a statement to the Australian Associated Press.
"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 wish them well at this difficult time".
The glamour couple officially announced the termination of their engagement on Friday, ending days of speculation.
"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 tour and return to Sydney.
It's understood the break-up 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.