Another one bites the dust. The Associated Press recently reported that Hanes has dropped its advertising campaign with Charlie Sheen because of domestic violence charges filed against him.

His wife allegedly told police the actor put a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her, charges that Mr. Sheen denies.

“Given the publicity, it makes sense to not air those ads…” AP quotes a Hanes spokesman is as saying.

As the companies that used Tiger Woods for endorsements learned in the last couple of months, associating one’s brand with a celebrity can have great downsides as well as rewards.

When it comes to linking a client with an outside influencer, ad agencies will find ducks, geckos and cows a safer bet.

Don Beehler provides public relations consulting services to small- and medium-sized advertising agencies and businesses.