McDonald’s Scraps AI Christmas Ad After Intense Backlash

UPDATE: McDonald’s has swiftly removed its controversial AI-generated Christmas advertisement after facing a fierce backlash from viewers. The ad, uploaded to the McDonald’s Netherlands YouTube channel on December 6, 2023, was taken down just three days later due to overwhelming criticism.

The commercial featured a choir singing Christmas carols outside a McDonald’s, but instead of festive cheer, it showcased the “bad side” of the holiday season, including themes of bad weather and cooking disasters. The unsettling visuals, driven by generative AI, sparked outrage online, with many labeling it “creepy” and “soulless.”

Critics flooded social media, condemning the ad’s use of AI to create what many described as an “uncanny valley” experience. Theodore McKenzie, a vocal critic, declared it “the most god-awful ad I’ve seen this year,” even worse than previous AI efforts by Coca-Cola.

Despite the backlash, the production company behind the ad, The Sweetshop, initially defended their work. CEO Melanie Bridge claimed their team of 10 specialists worked tirelessly for seven weeks to produce what she called a “high-craft production.” In a now-deleted statement, she insisted that the ad was more than just an AI trick, asserting it was an example of where “craft and technology meet with intention.”

The immediate fallout raises questions about the future of AI in advertising, as McDonald’s is not the only major company experimenting with generative technology. Coca-Cola faced similar criticism for its AI-generated ads in previous years, and Disney recently announced a significant partnership with OpenAI.

As the dust settles, viewers are left questioning the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries. The swift removal of McDonald’s ad highlights a growing sensitivity among consumers regarding the use of AI in media. As brands continue to explore AI-driven content, the reaction from audiences will undoubtedly shape future marketing strategies.

Next Steps: Watch for updates on how McDonald’s and other companies will navigate the complex landscape of AI advertising in the wake of this incident. Will they reconsider their approaches, or will the pressure for innovation drive them further into the AI realm? Stay tuned for developing news on this urgent topic.