Marks & Spencer has apologised after an outtake from its Christmas campaign prompted outrage.
The since-deleted Instagram post featured paper Christmas hats burning in a fire grate which the retailers captioned with, 'This Christmas, do only what you love...like saying no to paper hats'. But the post drew heavy criticism from followers who noticed the burning hats which were the colours of the Palestinian flag.
People on social media were quick to notice, branding it "insensitive" and "disgusting" in light of the current crisis in Gaza. The post was part of M&S' 'This-mas not That-mas' campaign unveiled on Wednesday, with its advert featuring Tan France and Hannah Waddingham saying no to the festive traditions they dislike.
M&S' post drew fierce criticism over the colours of the paper hats (Instagram)In the advert presenter Hannah can be seen throwing a load of silver card crowns into a wood chipper, creating sparkling confetti. Queer Eye star Tan meanwhile is seen decorating a tree. The controversial Instagram post was shared on Wednesday morning but subsequently deleted after drawing fierce criticism.
In a statement released by the retailers on Wednesday night, a spokesperson said: "Today we shared an outtake image from our Christmas Clothing and Home advert, which was recorded in August. It showed festive coloured red, green and silver party hats in a fire grate.
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"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."
Replying to the original post, one commenter wrote: "This is absolutely vile, you should be ashamed of yourselves." Another agreed writing: "Absolutely disgusting. Even if it was recorded in August you should have reshot this image or used technology to make changes. Shame on you!!!"
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But other shoppers defended M&S and said the chain shouldn't have had to apologise for the image at all. One said: "Why are you apologising when it was recorded in August? If some stupid person thinks you have purposely just made it up since the 7th Oct then that's down to them. Deary me.." Another wrote: "Oh for heaven's sake. I don't often use the word snowflake but this is ridiculous. You're apologising because people got 'offended' by a photo of Christmas hats in a fire grate?"
Since the Hamas attack on October 7 which saw over 1,400 people killed in Israel and hundreds more taken hostage, around 8,700 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
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