According to reports, some McDonald’s franchisees are so upset with the company’s new meal collaboration with rappers Cardi B and Offset that they have decided not to promote the campaign at all out of fear of unfavourable press.
An unidentified number of restaurant owners have contacted McDonald’s corporate wing to express worry that the married stars – the latest to be featured in the company’s “Famous Orders” promotion – could affect their “family-friendly image,” The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
Angry franchisees claim that Offset from “Migos” and Cardi B‘s music and lifestyle are incompatible with the McDonald’s name. Both performers have been called out for the sexually graphic nature of their songs, including Cardi B’s upcoming “WAP.”
There have been reports that some franchise owners have tried to persuade their peers to remove campaign-related signage and merchandising as well.
For a short time only, McDonald’s has been advertising the “Cardi B & Offset Meal,” which is timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day. According to the company’s website, the meal consists of a classic cheeseburger with BBQ sauce, a big Coca-Cola, a large Hi-C Orange Lavaburst, a large order of French fries, and an apple pie.
when i say go share the Cardi B & Offset meal today, this is what i mean pic.twitter.com/sovhLntHp9
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) February 14, 2023
The Journal mentioned that it was unknown how many of McDonald’s more than a thousand franchisees were protesting the marketing.
McDonald’s responded to the criticism from within by highlighting that franchisees had shown enthusiasm and approval for the partnership with the rappers.
“Across our marketing, we’re focused on putting McDonald’s at the core of culture,” McDonald’s U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Tariq Hassan told the Journal.
Increasing the popularity of McDonald’s restaurants has relied primarily on celebrity endorsements of combination meals in recent years. Other artists like Travis Scott, Saweetie, J Balvin, and BTS have also collaborated with the brand.
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