Stormzy responds to criticism over McDonalds deal and Palestine post

Stormzy has responded to criticism over his controversial collaboration with McDonalds and accusations he deleted a post expressing solidarity with Palestine.

The Vossi Bop singer, 30, unveiled his limited-edition McDonald’s meal, “The Stormzy Meal”, last week and came under fire for working with a company that has appeared to support Israel – when he had previously shared a pro-Palestinian message.

The advert even prompted a response from former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who described the collaboration as “deeply disappointing.”

Anger among campaigners deepened after it emerged Stormzy’s collaboration with the chain came after he appeared to delete a “free Palestine” post he’d shared on Instagram last year.

In a statement published on his Instagram page today, Stormzy said he wanted to “give people clarity” on the situation, stating the “internet quickly passes judgement without the full context.”

He has denied archiving a post advocating for a Free Palestine and reiterated “my stance on this has not changed”.

Speaking directly to his fans, he added: “I understand it must feel disappointing and disheartening when it seems like someone you’ve championed has compromised their beliefs for commercial gain but this isn’t the case here.”

The full statement reads: “Hey guys,I wanted to address some twisted narrative that has been circulating online this past week.

“Firstly, I didn’t archive the post where I came out in support of Palestine for any reason outside of me archiving loads of IG posts last year. In that post, I spoke about #FreePalestine, oppression and injustice and my stance on this has not changed.

“The brands I work with can’t tell me what to do and don’t tell me what to do otherwise I wouldn’t work with them. I do my own research on all brands I work with, gather my own information, form my own opinion and come to my own conclusion before doing business.

“I’m writing this because I know there are people out there who have supported me and rooted for me who are genuinely confused and hurt by what they think has happened and I want to give those people clarity so I hope this helps.

“I understand it must feel disappointing and disheartening when it seems like someone you’ve championed has compromised their beliefs for commercial gain but this isn’t the case here.

“Social media and the internet quickly pass judgment without full context. While I want to continue to be open and honest, I prefer not to respond immediately to every misunderstanding or clear up every false narrative that surrounds my name. Lots of love, Stormz x.”

Critics previously accused him of “selling out” and stickers appeared around McDonald’s drive-thrus in the capital that read: “We regret to inform you that Stormzy has sold out. Apologies for any disappointment.”

The poster, designed by London-based artist Darren Cullen, features red, white, and black lettering and the yellow McDonald’s logo.

Pro-Palestine supporters praised the stunt, writing, “Genius,” and “Love it when the community gets creative!” Another revealed they’d seen similar artwork denouncing Stormzy at a bus shelter.

Last year, the singer put up a post that read: “I hope everyone is good, some fleeting thoughts.

“1. Free Palestine. 2. In the future, if there is ever a clear injustice in the world no matter how big or small, 100 times out of 100 I will always be on the side of the oppressed. Unequivocally. As I always have been.”

His new “Stormzy Meal” is made up of his favourite order at the chain – nine chicken nuggets, fries, BBQ sauce, Sprite, and an Oreo McFlurry.

In 2023, it was reported that McDonald’s branches in Israel gave out free meals to Israeli soldiers.

Franchise owners in countries such as Kuwait, Malaysia and Pakistan have since shared statements distancing themselves from the move.

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski has previously denied that the company has taken sides in the conflict, calling the boycotts “disheartening and ill-founded” and blaming it on “misinformation”.

The war started when Hamas killed around 1,200 people and took hundreds of hostages in a terror attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

Israel then launched a bombing and ground campaign in Gaza, killing more than 46,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s health ministry reported.