'Grab stands on the side of humanity', it says following controversial post by co-founder's wife

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Grab has issued a statement affirming that it stands on the side of humanity and hopes for peace and a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza after its co-founder's wife posted a controversial social media post that has had users calling for a boycott of the platform.

In an Instagram Story post, Chloe Tong, wife of a Grab co-founder Anthony Tan said that she “fell completely in love with Israel” after two trips there this year.

She added in a second post that her son had to pick a topic for an upcoming presentation and that he wanted to talk about his favorite holiday which was in Israel. "It was the best trip of my life. It even made such an impression on a seven-year-old," she wrote in the post.

Don’t miss: Marks & Spencer's brand sentiments plummet after offensive Christmas ad

Following public outcry, Grab took to social media to share a statement on the matter. It said that the unnamed individual had clarified that it was a post that was posted on a personal platform "weeks ago" and that it was "taken out of context to stir more hatred".

"My Instastories were done before I understood all that is happening with Israel and Gaza. Like the rest of humanity, I hope for ceasefire and peace. I am simply saddened and feel very helpless for all the innocent lives lost," a screen grab from the post read.

Grab then confirmed that it stands on the side of humanity and that it hopes for peace and a ceasefire.

“We do not support any form of violence and as a participant of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), we are aligned with its principles, and respect the protection of human rights,” Grab added.

Grab is the latest brand to come under fire for perceived insensitivities relating to the war in Gaza and Israel. On 3 November 2023, brand sentiments for lifestyle brand Marks and Spencer’s (M&S) plummeted following a Christmas advertisement that was perceived to be offensive to Palestinians.

The picture in the advertisement showed Christmas paper party hats being burned in a fireplace, with the caption "This Christmas, do only what you love... like saying no to paper hats (although, if we're honest, we're partial)."

The post drew heavy criticism from netizens who noted that the colours of the hats being burned were in the same colours of the Palestinian flag.

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