Tan France has called the reaction to Marks & Spencer’s Christmas advertisement ‘stupid.’
The retailer’s Christmas gift, set to Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), depicts celebrities abandoning holiday customs they dislike.
The TV commercial concludes with Hannah Waddingham shredding metallic party hats, while an Instagram outtake shows red, green, and silver hats burning in a fire.
The picture sparked outrage as readers pointed out that the caps’ colours match those of the Palestinian flag, as Israel continued major bombardment on Gaza in retribution for Hamas terrorist assault on Israeli citizens on October 7.
Tan from Queer Eye makes an appearance in the M&S commercial, throwing a board game into a fish tank to avoid having to play.
He has now defended the advertisement and explained the filming date.
‘The ad was shot in AUGUST,’ he wrote on Instagram stories.
‘So….. maybe you’re reaching with your ridiculous comments?’
The 40-year-old also uploaded the complete commercial, which also features Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Zawe Ashton, on social media and described his appearance as a career highlight.
‘I could not be more proud and excited to share this with you. I was asked to take part in this year’s Christmas @marksandspencer Clothing and Home Ad. Possibly one of the greatest joys of my career,’ he typed.
‘Please watch. I hope you love it as much as I do!!’
On the post, he opted to disable the comment feature, probably to prevent receiving unfavourable feedback.
M&S has since apologised for any ‘unintentional harm’ caused by the post and deleted it.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, a spokesperson wrote on Instagram and 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.’
Some viewers continued to communicate their fury: ‘Doesn’t make any sense. You’re cancelled!’
‘I will never buy from you again. Apology not accepted,’ fumed another.
Others defended M&S with one viewer writing: ‘What is this world coming to when you can’t show Christmas colours dating back to 1300 in a Christmas advert.’
M&S has recently created a second holiday commercial, this time starring Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
