National: M&S issues apology following backlash of Christmas advert

Marks & Spencer have issued an apology following online backlash of their Christmas advert.

On Wednesday, the UK retail chain, that has 21 stores across Ireland, released their Christmas ad which sees a host of stars including actress Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) and singer Sophie Ellis Bextor destroying Christmas themed objects such as christmas cards and the Elf on the Shelf.

M&S posted an image from the ad on their Instagram the same day, depicting green, silver, and red paper hats that come from a Christmas cracker, being burned in a fire along with the caption, "This Christmas, do only what you love...like saying no to paper hats (although, if we're honest, we're partial)." 

Followers were quick to point out that these colours are the same as the Palestinian flag, which unless you have been living under a rock, has been under attack from Israel and thousands of innocent men, women and children are being killed every day.

The image sparked viral controversy, with calls for the ad to be pulled.

This whole advert makes me sick to my stomach. I food shop in M&S almost every day, as from today no more will I pass through their doors. I am done with them

— Norma ‍♀️‍♀️ (@worldisbonkers) November 2, 2023

This advert is awful on so many different levels. I have no idea who this is aimed at, why I should be excited for Christmas, or why I should be visiting an M&S store to spend my money in.

If the aim was to alienate the majority of your customers, congratulations.

— Zuggi Zaccardo (@ZaccardoZuggi) November 2, 2023

Marks & Spencer have since pulled the image and issued an apology following the backlash saying,

"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."

A statement from M&S: pic.twitter.com/3tzJKdZbYW

— M&S (@marksandspencer) November 1, 2023

Honest mistake or not, commenters were quick to respond the image was a bit tone deaf, considering the current climate.