Boots' Christmas ad starring 'Bridgerton' star Adjoa Andoh blasted for 'woke' plot and use of pronouns

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A new Christmas ad from Boots has sparked a storm of controversy online, with conspiracy theories and calls for a boycott. The ad features 'Bridgerton' star Adjoa Andoh as Mrs Claus, who steps in to save Christmas while her husband—portrayed as a slumbering, straight white male—remains idle. 

The ad’s modern twist on the holiday story has drawn sharp criticism, with some calling it a "woke monstrosity." The use of gender-neutral pronouns and the casting of progressive influencers in the ad has outraged the "anti-woke" crowd. The backlash has sparked heated debates on social media, with some urging people not to shop at Boots and labeling it as an awful advert.

Boots' festive ad sparks controversy due to portrayal of Mrs Claus and use of woke elements

The Boots Christmas ad, released on November 7 and starring 'Bridgerton' actress Adjoa Andoh as Mrs Claus, has sparked major controversy, mainly due to its portrayal of Mrs Claus and the use of "woke" elements. 

In the ad, Santa is depicted as passive, fast asleep by the fire, while Mrs Claus steps in as the holiday hero. She takes matters into her own hands, enlisting the help of her "elfluencers", including social media stars like @soph and @snatchedbywill. 

The ad’s criticism grew even louder when Andoh used they/them pronouns to refer to someone, which infuriated the anti-woke crowd.

The backlash is also linked to Andoh’s past comments. During ITV’s coverage of the King's coronation last year, she criticized the "terribly White balcony" at Buckingham Palace, contrasting it with the "rich diversity of the Abbey."

This remark led to more than 8,000 complaints to Ofcom, and although no action was taken, it fueled anger among some viewers.

Now, with her involvement in the Boots ad, those same critics are revisiting her previous comments as yet another reason to voice their outrage.

A spokesperson for 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." 

They continued, "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."

Internet fumes at Boots' Christmas ad

After watching Boots' viral Christmas ad, many internet users quickly took to social media to share their reactions.

One remarked, "@BootsUK go woke, go broke..." 

Another added, "Time to boycott remember who got you where you are today- shocking." 

A user commented, "#boycottboots it's full of junk anyway." 

A person said, "Trash using trash to sell trash. Isn't their end goal to trash Christmas? #boycottBoots." 

One wrote, "Don't shop at Boots." 

An individual tweeted, "#BoycottBoots -- not the footwear, just boycott Boots the chemist." 

Another commented, "What a disgrace to pick a racist to head your Christmas ad." 

A user said, "An awful advert. Shame on @BootsUK."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.