The festive ad has been going viral since it was first released with viewers leaping to its defence.
The Boots Christmas adverthas been furiously defended by viewers following calls to ‘boycott’ the store.
The ad has been going viral since it was released with criticism sweeping social media slamming it as a “woke monstrosity”.
The advert, released on November 7, is named ‘Make Magic’ and features the Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh as Mrs Claus. It features social media influencers and uses gender-neutral pronouns such as “them”.
The video attempts to make a modern twist on the classic storyline of the last few hours before Christmas – Santa Claus is seen to be sleeping in his chair with his wife taking the reins.
Elves are seen running around the rebranded “Mrs Claus’s werkshop”, as presents pile up on a sleigh.
Adjoa Andoh plays Mrs Claus in the new Boots Christmas ad (Image: Boots)
Some outraged Brits have taken to the social media platform X claiming the advert is “un British”, insisting they will now only shop at the rival Superdrug. The hashtag #BoycottBoots has spread across the platform with people saying “go woke, go broke”.
One user posted: “44 days of boycotting Boots until Christmas,” with another adding “Again it’s all about diversity…
“Don’t worry boots, we’ll spend our money elsewhere this Xmas.”
The choice to cast Andoh has sparked further backlash following the actress’s appearance on ITV last year. Covering the King’s coronation, she commented on the “terribly white balcony” at Buckingham Palace in contrast to the “rich diversity of the Abbey”.
In an attempt to rectify the situation, Andoh took to Radio 4 the following day: “I was talking about the day and how marvellous it was and then looking at the balcony at the end and suddenly going: ‘Oh it’s so white’, because the day had been so mixed and I didn’t mean to upset anybody.”
Viewers have leapt to the ad’s defence and have called it ‘warm and witty’ (Image: Boots)
But viewers have jumped to Boots’ defence and praised it for being “witty and warm”.
One person wrote on X: “Boots’ Xmas ad is fabulous – funny, witty and warm. The grinches who want to #BoycottBoots need to learn something about the spirit of Xmas and develop a sense of humour.”
Another said: “All the people posting ‘#BoycottBoots’ I hope you never complain about people being snowflakes ever again.
“You’ve just been so offended by an advert about FICTIONAL PEOPLE that you’re willing to never buy from a shop again. Just incredibly pathetic.”
A spokesperson at Boots told Express.co.uk: “We recognise that people look forward to seeing our Christmas advert each year and will have their own opinions on the creative direction.
“Our latest advert stars Adjoa Andoh, who is an incredibly talented British actor well known for her leading role in the popular show Bridgerton and multiple other hit productions.
“We always strive to create inclusive campaigns and remind viewers that Boots has a gift for every kind of beauty enthusiast. We firmly stand against discrimination of any kind.”
