Dawn French’s M&S Christmas ad is an insult to Jews | The Spectator Australia

Dawn French’s M&S Christmas Ad Sparks Controversy

Being born, shall we say, under a different star, there are no official Christmas celebrations in our house. Although it's a welcome chance to gather family and, as a Jewish mother, feed everyone until they can't speak, there’s no tree, stockings, or gift exchanges. Still, I enjoy watching the Christmas countdown and the palpable excitement that comes with the season, a feeling of uplifting anticipation.

Marks & Spencer’s Festive Campaign

This year, the festive cheer has been overshadowed by Marks & Spencer’s Christmas advert starring Dawn French. She is familiar as the warm-hearted Vicar of Dibley and, for the fifth year, the voice of the M&S festive fairy.

Controversy Surrounding Dawn French

However, the tone changed after French posted a video on Twitter appearing to sneer at the suffering caused on 7 October 2023, when Hamas terrorists brutally slaughtered 1,200 people.

“Despite the ensuing outrage, M&S chose not to part ways with her.”

This decision is not just tone-deaf but sends a blunt and painful message, especially to Jewish customers, implying they do not matter enough to prompt the company to reconsider its plans.

Impact on Jewish Customers

The refusal of M&S to distance themselves from French highlights an insensitivity that deeply hurts Jewish communities, undermining their sense of inclusion during the holiday season.

“This decision sends a blunt and painful message, principally to Jewish customers: you do not matter enough to change our plans.”

Author’s Summary

The M&S Christmas ad featuring Dawn French deeply offends Jewish communities by dismissing their pain and disregarding their significance as customers.

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The Spectator Australia The Spectator Australia — 2025-11-07

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