M&S has cut a scene from its Christmas 2023 clothing and home ad following a backlash on social media.
The retailer has removed the scene in the ad where Sophie Ellis-Bextor torches a pile of Christmas cards after it was accused of being insensitive of the current Israel-Hammas conflict.
After Ellis-Bextor set fire to the cards, the camera switched to a shot of flames reflected in her eyes, which were outlined with blue eyeliner.
Critics on social media likened the colour of her eyeliner to the Israeli flag and accused M&S of supporting Israel in the current conflict.
M&S told Campaign that it will no longer be streaming the original version on TV or YouTube in favour of a shortened 60-second clip without the scene.
Although the 80-second original ad has been removed from YouTube, it is still available on Instagram and TikTok.
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Earlier this month M&S issued an apology after posting an outtake from the same Christmas campaign on Instagram showing paper hats in the colours of the Palestinian flag burning in a fireplace, which resulted in backlash on the social media platform.
In response, M&S pointed out that the advert was filmed months prior to the conflict, back in August.
A spokesperson from the retailer told Campaign: “Like with all of our Christmas campaigns, we have a series of different edits for TV and social that will play out until the Big Day – all featuring our fabulous line-up of talent, stylish clothing and plenty of Christmas magic.”
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