M&S has removed a Christmas advert post and apologised after viewers claimed it was “insensitive” – but one of its stars has hit back.
The retail giant has faced a backlash after teasing an Instagram out-take from a festive ad due to be released in full soon, starring actress Hannah Waddingham and Queer Eye star Tan France.
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Critics condemned Marks and Spencer as they claimed a scene of party hats being set on fire appeared to show the colours of the Palestinian flag.
It comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel-Gaza conflict which has killed more than ?? people.
M&S responded to the furore by deleting their social media post and issuing an apology for any offence people felt.
But Tan has hit back online against critics – insisting the ad was shot in August, two months before the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7 which sparked the latest Middle East crisis.
He accused opponents of making “ridiculous comments” about the image, which depicted red, green and silver paper party hats tossed into an open fire.
M&S has insisted any resemblance to the Palestinian national colours was unintentional.
The ad appeared to be making light of being forced to wear party hats at Christmas.
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 branded it “insensitive” and “disgusting”, drawing comparisons with the colours of the Palestinian flag.
France responded by posting a selfie on Instagram, captioning it: “The ad was shot in AUGUST, so maybe you’re reaching with your ridiculous comments?”
Yet the high street firm issued its own statement online, explaining why it decided to take down the original post.
M&S posted on X, formerly Twitter: “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.”
There were people supporting the company.
One poster wrote: “Get a grip people! M&S you have done nothing wrong. The ad was not in bad taste at all.”
Another commented: “Such a shame you’ve even had to issue this statement, people need to lighten up and stop reading into everything.”
Other celebrities featured in this year’s M&S festive ad campaign include pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor and actress Zawe Ashton.
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