US EditionMcDonald's Pulls AI-Generated Christmas Advert Following Backlash
McDonald’s Netherlands removed its AI-generated holiday ad after widespread criticism of its unsettling visuals and negative message, joining other brands facing AI ad backlash.
- On Dec 09, 2025, McDonald’s Netherlands removed the 45-second AI-generated advert and set the YouTube video to private with comments turned off.
- Viewers on social media criticised McDonald’s Netherlands’ advert for AI-generated people showing limbs turning jelly-like and rejected its cynical tone urging to `hide out in McDonald’s until January’s here`.
- The Sweetshop and TBWA\Neboko said the advert was commissioned for McDonald’s Netherlands, with CEO Melanie Bridge saying they spent `seven weeks` and made `thousands of takes`, insisting `AI didn't make this film.`
- Critics warned the incident shows generative AI risks job displacement in creative industries, while some on X celebrated the ad’s removal, saying `bullying works`.
- Following similar campaigns by Coca‑Cola and Toys"R"Us, analytics firm Social Sprout found a 61% positive sentiment rating even as clips circulated on online platforms.
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93 Articles
der Standard AT
der Standard DEThe clip with some grotesque errors picked up devastating criticism on the net
Daily Journal
Not lovin' it: McDonald's pulls Dutch AI Christmas ad
Burger chain McDonald's said on Wednesday it had removed an AI-generated Christmas advertisement in the Netherlands after it was criticized online.
McDonald's AI Christmas ad controversy explained: How the fast food chain has responded to the backlash
The McDonald's Netherlands ad drew ire online for its use of generative AI and grouchy holiday messaging.McDonald's McDonald's new Christmas ad features a family sitting in a car full of wrapped presentsKey PointsMcDonald's Netherlands released a Christmas ad on Dec. 6 that calls the holiday season "the worst time of the year."The ad quickly drew criticism, with many viewers condemning its grim message and use of AI.In response to the controver…
McDonald's Calls Christmas 'Most Terrible Time of the Year' in AI-Generated Ad
McDonald's Netherlands division recently published an AI-generated advertisement labeling Christmas "the most terrible time of the year." When the fast food giant faced intense backlash for its AI slop insulting the holiday season, it yanked the video down from YouTube.
Not without humor, the spot entitled "the most terrible period of the year", portrayed in several saynetes a series of unfortunate events. But it triggered a wave of criticism on social networks.
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