UPDATE: McDonald’s has officially pulled its controversial AI-generated Christmas advertisement just days after its release, following intense backlash from viewers. The ad, uploaded on December 6, 2023, to the McDonald’s Netherlands YouTube channel, faced overwhelming criticism for its unsettling portrayal of Christmas, leading to its removal within just three days.
The commercial featured a choir singing outside a McDonald’s, juxtaposed with gloomy scenes depicting the “bad side” of the holiday season, including terrible weather and traffic. Viewers quickly labeled the ad as “creepy” and “soulless.” One critic branded it “the most god-awful ad I’ve seen this year,” even worse than previous AI creations from Coca-Cola.
The backlash centered not only on the unsettling visuals but also on McDonald’s choice to utilize generative AI technology, which many deemed inappropriate for holiday marketing. The production company behind the ad, The Sweetshop, initially defended their work. CEO Melanie Bridge claimed that their team of ten specialists worked tirelessly for seven weeks to create a “high-craft production,” emphasizing that they aimed for a cinematic experience rather than relying on mere AI tricks.
Despite the defense, the negative response only intensified, prompting McDonald’s to act swiftly. A spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek that the decision to remove the ad was made to address the concerns raised by viewers.
Critics were quick to express their outrage on social media, with many highlighting the eerie, uncanny visuals and the ad’s underlying message that Christmas is only enjoyable at McDonald’s. The backlash reflects a growing discomfort with corporate reliance on AI in creative fields, sparking discussions about the future of advertising and the authenticity of brand messaging.
As the situation develops, the implications of this incident extend beyond McDonald’s. The controversy raises significant questions about the use of AI in marketing and its potential to alienate consumers. Major brands like Coca-Cola and Disney have faced similar scrutiny for their AI-generated content, indicating a broader trend that could affect the industry for years to come.
What’s Next: As McDonald’s navigates the fallout from this incident, industry observers will be watching closely to see if other companies follow suit in reconsidering their use of AI in creative advertising. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of authenticity in brand communications, especially during the holiday season.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
