Marks & Spencer has come under fire for its Christmas advert which showed burning Christmas paper hats that resembled the Palestinian flag.
Here’s what happened:
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M&S is one of the first supermarkets to release its seasonal advert which contains the underlying message of ditching undesirable Christmas chores and replacing them with enjoyment.
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The ad features frivolous scenes of blowtorching Christmas cards, whacking a toy elf with a baseball bat and shredding silver hats. It stars some famous names including singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Marvel actress Zawe Ashton, and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham.
Controversy
The British retailer had shared an image from its Christmas clothing and home advert on Instagram depicting red, silver, and green paper hats tossed into a burning fireplace with a caption that read: ‘This Christmas, do what you love… like saying no to paper hats” with the hashtag #LoveThismasNotThatmas – the supermarket’s slogan for this festive season.’
It appeared to be encouraging people to focus on enjoying themselves rather than conform to festive traditions they don’t like – the theme of its Christmas advert.
The stance
However, Marks & Spencer apologised following criticism and also cleared the stance the hats’ colours reflected those of the Palestinian flag were not related to the escalating Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East.
M&S deleted the Instagram post, posting a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying: “Today we shared an outtake image from our Christmas clothing and home advert, which was recorded in August.
“It showed traditional, festive-coloured red, green and silver Christmas paper party hats in a fire grate.
“While the intent was to playfully show that some people just don’t enjoy wearing paper Christmas hats over the festive season, we have removed the post following feedback and we apologise for any unintentional hurt caused.”
According to the M&S, the add was shot in August 2023, whereas the conflict ignited on 7 October between Israel and Israel.
