UK
Customers vow to boycott M&S after it uses Dawn French in Christmas advert
Earlier this year the comedian was accused of ‘mocking’ the October 7 massacre in an Instagram video
November 6, 2025 16:10
Earlier this year the comedian was accused of ‘mocking’ the October 7 massacre in an Instagram video
November 6, 2025 16:10Marks and Spencer customers have said they are boycotting the store after comedian Dawn French appeared in the chain's Christmas advert months after "mocking" the October 7 massacre.
French, who appeared as a fairy in the M&S campaign, earlier this year posted a video about the Gaza war.
"Complicated, no, but nuanced. But [the] bottom line is no," it began.
Then, in the video, in a high-pitched voice, she said: "Yeah, but you know they did a bad thing to us, yeah but no. But we want that land... and we have history… No. Those people aren't really even people, are they really? No."
French was met with backlash on social media, including actress Tracy-Ann Oberman who said she was "so saddened" by the post.
"[The video] appears [to] be mocking... the most horrific terrorist attack involving rape, sexual violence, burning alive, child mutilation and taking of civilian hostages," she wrote.
French later apologised "unreservedly" for the video.
Now, her presence in the M&S advert has reignited anger over her comments on the conflict.
One person wrote on X: "Sorry if this sounds horrible. I was about to go to Marks and Spencer and then caught sight of their Christmas advert featuring Dawn French. I just couldn't bear to go there right now."
Another wrote: "Safe to say Marks and Spencer won’t be receiving any custom from me this Christmas season."
Another post read: "Another added to the boycott list, it appears John Lewis got the message this year, so I suggest everyone take their business from Marks and Spencer to them."
Another added: “Sorry but I don’t forgive or forget the vile Dawn French for her [...] rant a few months back.
“I’m surprised Marks and Spencer have stuck with her to be honest.
And one more said: “Clearly the company is putting profit before principles.
“Its Jewish founder Michael Marks, who came to England from Belarus in 1880s to escape persecution for goodness sake, would be turning in his grave.”
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