Stormzy denies removing Palestine posts over McDonald’s partnership deal

Stormzy has addressed criticism surrounding his McDonald’s partnership and claims about deleted social media posts supporting Palestine.

The rapper has partnered with McDonald’s UK and Ireland for their first Famous Order meal, which launched on 12th February. The collaboration has faced scrutiny due to McDonald’s perceived position regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly after franchises in Israel provided free meals to Israeli forces.

Taking to Instagram, Stormzy clarified his position: “Hi 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.”

He further explained: “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.”

The artist continued: “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.”

Concluding his statement, Stormzy wrote: “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.”

The Peace and Justice Project have issued an open letter requesting Stormzy end his partnership with McDonald’s, while McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski has stated that boycotts of the company are “disheartening and ill-founded” and based on “misinformation”.