M&S withdraws Christmas advertisement following criticism over display of Palestinian flag

M&S has issued an apology after posting a photo on Instagram that depicted Christmas party hats, in red, green, and silver, being burned. The image was an outtake from one of the company's TV adverts, showing the hats being burnt in a fireplace. M&S explained that the intention was to playfully convey that some people do not enjoy wearing paper Christmas hats. The company removed the photo and clarified that the advert was filmed in August, prior to the start of the recent Israel-Gaza conflict. M&S also stated that the hats were solely traditional Christmas-colored paper hats. The company apologized for any unintentional offense caused and expressed regret for the post. The picture received criticism from social media users who pointed out the resemblance between the hat colors and the Palestinian flag, labeling it "distasteful." However, others defended M&S by emphasizing that the hats were in traditional Christmas colors. Tan France, presenter of Queer Eye and a cast member in the advert, responded on Instagram, stating that the ad was shot in August, refuting the criticisms as "ridiculous comments." The "Love Thismas not Thatmas" advert, featuring actors Zawe Ashton and Hannah Waddingham, as well as singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, was released earlier in the week with the aim of celebrating and empowering customers to pursue activities they love. The article also notes the casualties resulting from the conflict between Israel and Hamas.