Stormzy faces backlash over endorsing McDonald's meal after deleting posts supporting Palestine

Stormzy’s McDonald’s deal sparks criticism after Palestinian supporters call for boycott, accusing him of hypocrisy.

Stormzy is facing significant backlash after signing an endorsement deal with McDonald's, with fans and prominent figures criticizing his decision to align with the brand. The Croydon-born rapper recently became the face of a new McDonald's campaign, which includes a special meal named after him—the "Stormzy Meal," featuring nine chicken nuggets, fries, BBQ dips, Sprite Zero, and an Oreo McFlurry or apple pie. One McDonald’s branch in Croydon has even been rebranded as “Big Mike’s” in celebration of the collaboration.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by STORMZY (@stormzy)

However, the deal has sparked controversy, particularly because of McDonald’s ties to the Israeli military. McDonald’s Israeli franchise, Alonyal, has been donating free meals to Israel’s military, which has led to calls for a global boycott by the Palestinian-led BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) movement. Fans have voiced their anger, accusing Stormzy of hypocrisy for endorsing a brand involved in such controversy after previously supporting Palestine in 2023.

Stormzy is a genuine disgrace. He said “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,” then deleted that post and sold out for McDonald’s money. There’s 0 integrity.

— Umir (@umirf1) February 13, 2025

In that year, Stormzy posted a message on Instagram expressing his support for Palestine, saying he would always stand with the oppressed. However, some of these posts were later archived, a move that sources close to the artist have denied was related to the McDonald’s deal. Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour Party leader, also weighed in, accusing Stormzy of “culture-washing” McDonald's image and urging him to end the partnership in solidarity with Palestinians.

Stormy has sold out Posters have gone up across the capital over @stormzy McDonalds meal deal. pic.twitter.com/0Lo557Uoz5

— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) February 20, 2025

Stormzy sold out for 9 nuggets, sorry that’s a Judas move. Free Palestine 🇵🇸pic.twitter.com/YtA1SrxafR

— Michael Morgan (@mikecmorgan) February 14, 2025

Adding fuel to the fire, satirist Darren Cullen launched a campaign in South London, posting signs that read, “Stormzy has sold out,” highlighting his controversial endorsement. The backlash has sparked a larger conversation about the role of celebrities in activism and the influence of corporate endorsements.