Supermarket giant Tesco have defended their choice of featuring a Muslim family in their Christmas advert stating that “this holiday is for everyone”.
The one-minute advert entitled “Everyone is welcome” shows different families gathering to celebrate Christmas and preparing dinner together.
One of the scenes shows Muslim women wearing a hijab gathering at a house.
Although the advert – which is part of a series of five videos to be released in the run up to Christmas – aims to promote a message of inclusiveness, some people took to Twitter to criticise the company’s choice to include Muslims, who they claim do not celebrate Christmas.
Some posted Islamophobic comments and went as far as calling for a boycott of Tesco products.
“Christmas advert on TV has 3 Muslim women wearing hijabs celebrating Christmas in their home. It’s getting embarrassing,” said one Twitter user.
Another user who claimed to be a devout Christian said they were “very offended”.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
Tesco however, defended their choice.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Everyone is welcome at Tesco this Christmas and we’re proud to celebrate the many ways our customers come together over the festive season.”
The supermarket chain explained that their campaign was aimed at depicting how millions of people across the UK enjoy Christmas festivities and “how great food sits at the heart of it all.”
Tesco said on its website: “Tesco will donate £1 for every fresh turkey bought in store or online, shared between its food charity partners FareShare and The Trussell Trust to help people in need over the festive period”.
