Zing vodka appoints hit-and-run R&B star Chris Brown as ambassador

R&B star Chris Brown, who was charged this week for a hit and run incident, has been announced as the creative director for premium vodka brand Zing.

Zing Vodka appoints Chris Brown, who faces hit-and-run charges, as creative director

The singer was this morning named as the face of the New York-produced vodka brand, owned by the Maloof family, responsible for “conceptualizing and directing creative assets, marketing campaigns, and consulting the evolution of the brand’s product line,” as well as serving as a brand ambassador.

However Brown, who is on five years’ probation for assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009, is now facing the possibility of a four-year jail term for allegedly giving false insurance information and refusing to hand over his driving license after his car hit a Mercedes in May.

The singer has refuted the charges, claiming on Twitter: “It’s not a hit and run if u get out the car, exchange information (who has NO DAMAGE to either cars). This is really ridiculous.

“I have a valid drivers license and I gave the woman the right info. She saw cameras and wanted to make a scene.”

“She contacted the cops thinking of a payday from Chris Brown when I followed the proper procedures.

“I work my ass off to provide for my entire family. I’ve made mistakes in the past and have worked hard to be a better person.”

Steve Ferraro, co-founder of Maloof Ventures, Zing vodka, said in a statement today that the group was “thrilled” to be working alongside Brown.

“My partners and I met up with Chris in Las Vegas last year and introduced him to Zing Vodka,” Ferraro said. “The organic vibe from this initial meeting inspired everyone to explore a partnership that has resulted in Chris taking on the role of creative director which we are thrilled about.”

Zing, whose USP is a hexagonal-shaped LED bottle, is quadruple-distilled from a blend of corn and wheat available in original, and Red Velvet flavour. The brand is sold in select US markets for US$24.99 for a 750ml bottle.

A spokesperson for Zing vodka was unavailable for comment.