Marks And Spencer's Empire Pie Sparks Fierce Social Media Debate Over 'Celebrating Colonial Deaths'

'Someone approved this?'
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A woman has sparked a heated social media row, after she accused Marks & Spencer’s of creating a pie that celebrated the deaths of millions in Britain’s former colonies.

Louise Raw, a historian, posted a picture of an ‘Empire Pie’ she bought from the supermarket, claiming the name left a “nasty taste in millions of people’s mouths ― those it didn’t kill”.

TERRIBLE idea, @marksandspencer. British Empire left nasty taste in millions of ppl's mouths- those it didn't kill pic.twitter.com/dvvKt0WgsI

— Louise Raw (@LouiseRawAuthor) September 13, 2016

She was originally supported by some social media users, who criticised M&S for “evoking colonialism” to market their product.

Wow is @marksandspencer really evoking #colonialism to market their products? Someone approved this? #poorjudgment https://t.co/IPxBK1sUDU

— Sarah Lesniewski (@sarahlesniewski) September 13, 2016

My god, what processes do these people go through. Do they have a marketing team?? https://t.co/amWS6Xic3H

— Small Axe (@SankofaMind) September 13, 2016

But many others took contention at the outrage and said it was an overreaction.

Offended by a pie. What a time to be alive https://t.co/nhmEU9AVpk

— Skip Licker (@SkipLicker) September 13, 2016

To be clear, this is a grown woman who has been mocked because she was upset that M&S called a pie "Empire Pie". pic.twitter.com/rjKtJA2D45

— Damian Counsell (@DamCou) September 13, 2016

While others simply waded into the debate to mock the suggestion it had any racist overtones.

Turns out a lot of shops do Empire pie, she's going to have a full diary complaining this week.

— Oh Nicolaaaaaaaa (@nwithey101) September 13, 2016

I've just ordered some Empire Pie. I'm now ordering a pith helmet and a redcoat to wear whilst I eat it.

Form square. Huzzah.

— Skip Licker (@SkipLicker) September 13, 2016

I personally loathe Tartar Sauce out of respect to victims of the Mongol conquests. https://t.co/FEIWrinnEB

— James Worron (@JamesWorron) September 13, 2016

@LouiseRawAuthor @kidd_kong78 @marksandspencer MY GOD HOW COULD YOU M&S!! Please remove Victoria sponges too just in case....

— Ben Hunt (@BenHunt74) September 13, 2016

The Huffington Post UK contacted M&S for comment but had not received any by the time this story went live.

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