McDonald’s Scraps AI Christmas Ad Following Intense Backlash

URGENT UPDATE: McDonald’s has just pulled its controversial AI-generated Christmas advertisement after a massive backlash from viewers. The fast-food giant made the decision following a storm of criticism that erupted shortly after the ad’s release on December 6, 2023.

The ad, which aired on McDonald’s Netherlands YouTube channel, depicted a choir singing Christmas carols outside a McDonald’s while showcasing the “bad side” of the holiday season. It featured unsettling imagery of bad weather, awful traffic, and even potential accidents, all set to a twisted version of the classic tune “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

By December 9, just three days after its release, the video was removed amidst a wave of negative feedback across social media platforms. Critics lambasted the commercial for its reliance on generative AI technology, labeling the animations as bizarre and the overall aesthetic as “creepy” and “soulless.”

“This is the most god-awful ad I’ve seen this year,” tweeted user Theodore McKenzie, who also compared it unfavorably to past Coca-Cola ads.

The backlash prompted McDonald’s to address the situation. A spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek that the company had decided to remove the AI-generated Christmas advert due to viewer dissatisfaction.

Despite the ad’s removal, the production company behind it, The Sweetshop, initially defended their work, claiming that the use of AI was part of a “high-craft production.” CEO Melanie Bridge stated that ten of their specialists worked tirelessly for seven weeks to create the ad, generating thousands of variations to achieve what she dubbed a “cinematic experience.”

Bridge’s statement, which has since been deleted, emphasized that the work was not merely an “AI trick” but a result of human creativity combined with technology. However, this defense only fueled further anger among viewers, many of whom felt that the ad trivialized the holiday spirit.

McDonald’s is not alone in facing backlash over AI-generated content. Other major brands, including Coca-Cola and Disney, have also encountered criticism for their use of AI in advertising. Coca-Cola has faced scrutiny for similar holiday ads in recent years, while Disney recently signed a $1 billion deal with OpenAI to develop AI-generated characters.

The removal of this ad raises important questions about the role of AI in creative industries and the potential repercussions for brands that rely on technology at the expense of genuine human connection. As the backlash continues, it remains to be seen how McDonald’s will adjust its advertising strategy moving forward.

As the situation develops, consumers are urged to pay attention to how brands respond to public sentiment regarding AI in marketing. The incident highlights a growing divide between traditional advertising methods and the new, technology-driven approaches that are becoming increasingly common.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.