M&S pulls Christmas advert post after Palestinian flag criticism

M&S has apologised and pulled an advert after complaints of a photo of Christmas party hats in the colours of the Palestinian flag on fire. 

The image was an outtake from one of the company’s TV adverts, showing red, green and silver hats burning in a fireplace. 

M&S said the advert was filmed in August before the Israel-Gaza conflict began. They said the intent was to “playfully show that some people don’t enjoy wearing paper Christmas hats.” 

It said the hats were “traditional, festive coloured red, green and silver Christmas paper hats”.

“We have removed the post following feedback and we apologise for any unintentional hurt caused,” M&S added in a statement posted to X on Wednesday night.