NAMES IN THE NEWS : Pepsi Pulls Madonna Ad on MTV

Pepsi-Cola Co. canceled plans to run a two-minute commercial with pop star Madonna on MTV after the cable network started airing the singer’s controversial new music video, a source close to Pepsi said today.

The Pepsi ad with Madonna, which is dubbed “Make a Wish” and includes an abbreviated version of her new song, “Like a Prayer,” debuted last Thursday on television shows in 40 countries.

The next day, MTV began running a separate music video that heralded the launch of the singer’s new song. The video shows Madonna in a black slip, dancing among burning crosses and seeking refuge in a church where she kisses a statue of a saint who comes to life.

Pepsi had planned to run the two-minute ad last weekend on MTV, but withheld it while the video is running, the source said.