Cardi B and Offset’s McDonald’s meal has not gone down well with everyone.
The celebrity couple collaborated with the fast-food chain for the latest in its “Famous Orders” marketing campaign, but their celebrity-branded meal has sparked criticism from some restaurant owners who claim the hip-hop stars do not align with the brand’s values.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a number of McDonald’s franchisees, including some in the Southeastern and mid-Atlantic states, have declined to promote the Cardi B and Offset meal out of fear of being associated with the artists.
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Several restaurant owners have recently contacted McDonald’s corporate division, arguing that the rappers’ lyrics and lifestyles may harm the company’s “family-friendly” image. Some even encouraged their fellow franchisees to remove meal-related advertising and merchandise from their stores.
Cardi B and Offset’s Valentine’s Day meal includes a cheeseburger with BBQ sauce and a Coke for Cardi and a Quarter Pounder with cheese and a Hi-C Orange Lavaburst for Offset. The couple even appeared in a commercial that aired during the Super Bowl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_LpH8qdT6g
McDonald’s has responded to the criticism, claiming that Cardi and Offset’s promotion has sparked widespread support and excitement among its franchisees.
“Across our marketing, we’re focused on putting McDonald’s at the center of culture,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s in the United States, noting that the campaign has generated significant revenue.
Their meal comes after a slew of high-profile celebrity endorsements, including Travis Scott, Saweetie, BTS, J Balvin, and Mariah Carey.
