{"id":39014,"date":"2023-11-02T13:48:32","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T12:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1918918"},"modified":"2023-11-02T15:51:26","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T14:51:26","slug":"ms-apologises-after-new-christmas-advert-controversy","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/ms-apologises-after-new-christmas-advert-controversy\/","title":{"rendered":"M&S apologises after new Christmas advert controversy"},"content":{"rendered":"

An image was deemed insensitive due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. <\/p>

By David Craig\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 02 November 2023 at 12:48 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Marks & Spencer has apologised for a social media post connected to its new Christmas advert, which was accused by some users of representing a burning Palestine flag.<\/p>\n

The since-deleted image, shared on Instagram, depicted red, white and green paper crowns being burnt in a fireplace, with the retailer saying \u201cthe intent was to playfully show that some people just don\u2019t enjoy wearing paper party hats\u201d.<\/p>\n

The post was connected to a festive advert, which sees stars including Hannah Waddingham and Sophie Ellis-Bextor abandon time-consuming seasonal customs \u2013 such as sending cards and hiding the Elf on the Shelf \u2013 in favour of things they genuinely enjoy.<\/p>\n

However, some viewers were alarmed that the colours of the hats in the related photo matched those seen in the Palestinian flag, criticising the burning imagery in light of recent events.<\/p>

It comes as conflict in the Middle East intensifies in the wake of the Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli air strikes on Gaza, with the UN and World Health Organisation (WHO) expressing deep concern over an escalating humanitarian crisis.<\/p>\n

Amid great sensitivity and polarisation around the conflict, Marks & Spencer removed the image and issued a statement in which it apologised for \u201cany unintentional hurt caused\u201d.<\/p>\n

The statement reads: \u201cToday 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile the intent was to playfully show that some people just don\u2019t enjoy wearing paper Christmas hats over the festive season, we have removed the post following feedback and we apologise for any unintentional hurt caused.\u201d<\/p>\n

A statement from M&S: pic.twitter.com\/3tzJKdZbYW<\/a><\/p>\u2014 M&S (@marksandspencer) November 1, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>