Pop Culture Icons Erik Estrada, Lou Ferrigno and Charisma Carpenter Form Butterfinger Defense League (BFDL)

GLENDALE, Calif., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to the reported epidemic of Butterfinger® bar thefts nationwide, pop culture icons Erik Estrada, Lou Ferrigno and Charisma Carpenter, known in the TV world as famous defenders, have joined forces to create the Butterfinger Defense League, announced today by Nestle USA. The celebrities formed the defense league (ButterfingerDefenseLeague.com) after connecting through the Butterfinger Bar Insurance program, where consumers reported more than 20,000 stories of Butterfinger thefts and filed 100,000 claims online for replacement bars.

Working together to help consumers defend their bars from would-be thieves and to encourage the "Nobody's Gonna Lay A Finger On My Butterfinger!" tagline-turned-mantra, the Butterfinger Defense League makes its official debut today in an exclusive music video and song remix by iconic rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot.

"The Butterfinger Defense League was formed to inspire and help consumers protect their favorite candy bar from anyone who tries to lay a finger," said Nestle USA Confections & Snacks spokesperson Tricia Bowles. "Not only are Erik, Lou and Charisma perfect pop culture personalities for our brand but they're also iconic defenders, who understand the desire for Butterfinger and how to best protect it for millions of fans across the country."

The defense-ready stars from popular TV shows spanning the last three decades appear in the remixed video titled "Baby Got It Back/I Like Big Butterfingers" with Sir Mix-A-Lot, who performs the irreverently updated rap song as Estrada, Ferrigno and Carpenter strut their stuff and sing along. In the limited-edition music video, the league members also demonstrate some of their classic defense mechanisms and moves to protect Butterfinger.

"Each of us brings something special yet significant to the BFDL, whether strength, sass or sheer sexiness," said pop culture icon Estrada, who described his signature Butterfinger defense move as the 'Sexstrada' approach, having been once named among the "Top 10 Sexiest Bachelors in the World" by People magazine. "Even charm and sex-appeal can be key tools in helping to defend a valuable possession like Butterfinger."

With the combined forces of Estrada, known as a defender against crime, Ferrigno, known as a defender against evil masterminds, and Carpenter, known as a defender against the supernatural, the Butterfinger Defense League is the ultimate league of protectors best positioned to help consumers defend their favorite candy bar from would-be thieves.

"I'm known for my bodybuilding skills, but I also indulge in the sweet things in life now and then," said Ferrigno, who played the title role in the "The Incredible Hulk" from 1978-1982. "Balance and moderation are key, but if someone tries to throw me off-balance by laying a finger on my Butterfinger, then I'm ready and more than able to defend."

"Not only are we having fun bringing our defense experiences to life, but we're showing Butterfinger fans how easy it is to ensure nobody lays a finger," added Carpenter, popularly known for her supernatural starring roles, including on the hit TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003) and its spin-off "Angel" (1999-2004), making her a perfect defender for the league. "We get why fans love Butterfinger simply because we love it, too. It's my favorite candy bar, thus a no-brainer for me to sign up with the league."

The Butterfinger Defense League will make special media appearances throughout New York City this week and meet with Butterfinger fans to talk about the formation of the league and what consumers can do to help and get involved. The celebrity defense trio will reconvene later this summer for an exclusive appearance at Comic-Con International in San Diego. More information may be found online at ButterfingerDefenseLeague.com.

About Butterfinger

Butterfinger is a one-of-a-kind candy bar with the crispety, crunchety, peanut-buttery taste people love. No other candy bar comes close to the intense flavor and texture of a Butterfinger. Keep up with the latest news about Butterfinger at Facebook.com/Butterfinger or follow its sweet tweets at Twitter.com/ButterfingerMmm.

About Nestle USA

Named one of "The World's Most Admired Food Companies" in FORTUNE magazine for 13 consecutive years, Nestle provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with Lean Cuisine® to baking traditions with Nestle® Toll House®, Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself. That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about. Nestle USA, with 2009 sales of $10.4 billion, is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world's largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2009 sales of $99 billion. For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.

SOURCE Nestle USA