M&S Christmas advert star Tan France has defended the commercial and slammed “ridiculous” Palestine criticism that saw a post removed.
The Queer Eye star took to Instagram to vent at critics after Marks and Spencer was accused of insensitivity amid the Israel-Hamas war.
The retail giant faced a backlash for showing party hats being burned after critics claimed they were in the colours of the Palestinian flag.
Tan appears in the Christmas ad campaign along with actresses Hannah Waddingham and Zawe Ashton as well as pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
His response came after M&S deleted the original post that provoked protests, while the firm also issued an apology.
Tan highlighted how the promotional clip was filmed in August, two months before the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7 and the ensuing conflict which has killed thousands.
He shared an Instagram selfie accompanied by the caption: “Maybe you’re reaching with your ridiculous comments?”
M&S insisted any resemblance to Palestine’s national colours was unintentional.
The theme of the ad seems to make fun of being forced to wear party hats at Christmas.
M&S’s original M&S was captioned: “This Christmas, do only what you love…like saying no to paper hats.”
Critics labelled it “insensitive” and “disgusting”, but others went online to back the company.
One commenter wrote: “This is absolutely vile, you should be ashamed of yourselves.”
Another agreed: “Absolutely disgusting. Even if it was recorded in August you should have reshot this image or used technology to make changes. Shame on you!”
M&S shared on X, formerly Twitter: “Today 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.
“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.”
But a supporter wrote: “Get a grip people! M&S you have done nothing wrong. The ad was not in bad taste at all.”
Another said: “Such a shame you’ve even had to issue this statement.
“People need to lighten up and stop reading into everything.”
M&S was also asked: “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.”
The Sun Online has approached M&S for further comment.
