M&S has removed a Christmas ad showing party hats being set on fire after critics claimed they were in the colors of the Palestinian flag.
The retail giant faced a backlash after teasing an Instagram clip from its new festive advert starring actress Hannah Waddingham and Queer Eye fashion guru Tan France.
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M&S has released images from its new Christmas advertising campaignCredit: Instagram
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The retail giant later released a statement apologizing for any ‘unintentional injury’Credit: Instagram
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Advertising star Tan France hit back at critics Credit: Instagram
Marks and Spencer have now issued a statement after some viewers claimed the post was “insensitive”.
It comes amid an ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza that has left thousands dead.
M&S responded by deleting its social media post and apologizing for any “unintentional injury”.
But ad star Tan France hit back at the criticism – insisting the clip was filmed in August, two months before Hamas’s October 7 terror attack on Israel.
He accused opponents of making “ridiculous comments” about the image, which shows red, green and silver paper party hats thrown into an open fire.
M&S insisted that any resemblance to Palestinian national colors was unintentional.
The ad seems to be downplaying the fact that they are forced to wear party hats on Christmas Day.
The original M&S Instagram post was accompanied by the words: “This Christmas do only what you love…like saying no to paper hats.”
But critics have branded it “insensitive” and “disgusting”, comparing it to the colors of the Palestinian flag.
France responded by posting a selfie on Instagram with the caption: “The ad was shot in AUGUST so maybe you’re reaching out with your funny comments?”
The high street company issued its own statement online, explaining why it decided to remove the original post.
M&S posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Today we shared an image from our Christmas advert for clothing and home, which was shot in August.
“It featured traditional, festively colored red, green and silver Christmas paper hats for partying in a fire grate.
“While the intention was to playfully show that some people just don’t enjoy wearing paper Christmas hats during the holiday season, we have removed the post following feedback and apologize for any unintentional offense caused.”
Many were quick to support the company.
One poster read: “Get your act together people! You’ve done nothing wrong M&S. The ad was in no bad taste at all.”
Another commented: “It’s a shame you had to issue this statement at all, people need to lighten up and stop reading all this stuff.”
Other celebrities featured in this year’s M&S festive advertising campaign include pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and actress Zawe Ashton.
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Actress Hannah Waddingham is one of the featured celebrities Credit: M&S
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Queer Eye TV fashion guru called the reaction ‘ridiculous’Credit: M&S
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Pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor also features in this year’s M&S festive promotion Credit: M&S
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education