Did Disney hide pro-Palestine message in its Christmas ad?
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Disney+ drew controversy over its 2025 Christmas ad due to the inclusion of a watermelon sticker on a character's laptop, which critics interpreted as a symbol of support for Palestine.
- The company denied any political intent, claiming the sticker was chosen randomly, while the watermelon has historically served as a subtle emblem of Palestinian solidarity.
Disney+ faced controversy following the release of its 2025 Christmas advertisement, titled "A Lifetime of Stories."
The advert, which depicts a young girl maturing into adulthood while engaging with Disney content and eventually sharing it with her own children, includes a detail that has sparked accusations of political messaging.
Specifically, a watermelon sticker appears prominently on the character's laptop during her teenage years, interpreted by several as a symbol of support for Palestine.
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The advertisement shows themes of family, nostalgia, and the appeal of Disney's storytelling. It features scenes of the protagonist watching classic films and shows, transitioning through life stages, and passing on the tradition.
The sticker in question is visible multiple times, positioned next to a Mickey Mouse emblem.
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The watermelon has long been associated with Palestinian solidarity, originating after the 1967 Six-Day War when ‘Israel’ banned public displays of the Palestinian flag in occupied territories.
Palestinians adopted the fruit as a substitute because its colors—red, green, black, and white—mirror those of the flag.
This symbolism gained renewed prominence following the events of October 7, 2023, often appearing in protests and social media as a subtle emblem of resistance.
In response, Disney+ maintained that the sticker was selected randomly during production and carries no political connotation.
A company spokesperson cited by The Sun said that the advert celebrates Disney's iconic heritage in storytelling and its impact on people's lives, without intent to convey any external message.
