Marks & Spencer Apologises for Christmas Advert Misinterpreted as Political, Confirms No Alleged Palestinian Flag Insult

M&S attracts social media backlash over image of burning hats in Christmas ad interpreted as a symbol of the Palestinian flag amid rising Middle East tensions; retailer insists it was unintentional and the advertisement was filmed before the onset of conflict.

M&S faced backlash on social media after posting an image of burning hats from its Christmas advert that some users compared to the Palestinian flag. The company has since removed the post and apologized, insisting that any resemblance was unintentional and not intended as a political statement.
The social media post showed an image of red, green and silver hats, traditional Christmas colors, on fire. Some users interpreted these colors as resembling the Palestinian flag, leading to claims that the advert was making a political statement amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict.
M&S stated that the Christmas advert was filmed in August, before the current Middle East conflict arose. The company insisted that the image was intended to playfully illustrate how some people don't enjoy traditional festive hats.
The controversy occurred amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, causing some activists to target retailers and restaurants with suspected ties to Israel. This incident follows a pro-Palestinian activist releasing a box of mice in a McDonald's in Birmingham in the UK, leading to calls for boycotts of certain businesses.
The Christmas advert from M&S includes actors Hannah Waddingham and Zawe Ashton, fashion expert Tan France of the TV show Queer Eye, and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The advert aims to empower customers to do what they love during the festive season, as opposed to sticking to traditional norms.