Cardi B and Offset’s McDonald’s deal has drawn criticism from fast-food chain franchisees, who fear the couple’s profanity and sex-laden lyrics will jeopardize the brand’s family-friendly image
Cardi B and Offset’s brand deal with McDonald’s has drawn criticism from some of the fast-food giant’s franchisees – amid fears the deal could damage the chain’s family-friendly image.
WAP rapper Cardi, 30, and Migos star husband Offset, 31, last month announced their partnership – and a personalized meal – with McDonalds – but the decision to work with the pair, known for their obscene and sex-laden lyrics , raised his eyebrows.
The couple’s official meal consists of a cheeseburger, BBQ sauce and a large Coca-Cola for Cardi, as well as a quarter pounder with cheese and a large Hi-C Orange Lavabust. The couple also shared an order of large fries and a hot apple pie to top off the meal.
According to Fortune, some franchisees have cited McDonald’s Golden Arches Code, which states, “Partnerships with celebrities and influencers who have a potential risk of harming our brand because of statements they have made or their positions on specific issues.” not permitted.
“Music partnerships related to content containing offensive language in the lyrics” were also revealed to be prohibited.
Oh dear: Cardi B and Offset’s brand deal with McDonald’s has been slammed by some of the fast-food giant’s franchisees – worries the deal could damage the chain’s family-friendly image
Cardi’s legendary 2020 hit WAP (an acronym for Wet A**P****) memorably featured more than 40 swear words, and its music video inspired a raunchy TikTok dance trend.
Dick Adams, a former McDonald’s restaurant owner and consultant to franchisees, told the publication the Cardi B offset endorsement was a “culture shock.”
He said, “Especially if you’re a franchisee and you’re in your 50s or 60s and you don’t have kids and you haven’t been exposed to any type of those texts.”
“I’ve spoken to a lot of franchisees who are concerned about this, but it’s good for sales and the companies are supporting it. I don’t think there is much headwind.
Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s chief marketing and customer experience officer for the US market, told , “Across all of our marketing, we focus on putting McDonald’s at the heart of the culture. Collaborating with artists has helped reignite fan love for our food and created significant business momentum for both the company and our restaurant owners/operators.
“And the reason they are so successful is that our partners are true fans of the brand themselves – that authenticity is our secret recipe. Cardi and Offset are an iconic couple who have their own date night tradition at McDonald’s that stretches back years.
“We’re proud to share a small part of it with customers across the US with our latest campaign, which is all about love and celebrating the special moments we all share at McDonald’s.”
It was further claimed that franchisees were unhappy when rapper Travis Scott worked with the fast-food brand in 2020 – due to his obscene lyrics.
The Travis Scott Meal included a quarter pounder with cheese with bacon and salad, fries with BBQ sauce dip, and a Sprite drink for $6.
has reached out to representatives from Cardi B, Offset and McDonald’s for comment.
Raunchy: Cardi’s legendary 2020 hit WAP (an acronym for Wet A**P****) memorably featured more than 40 swear words, and its music video inspired a raunchy TikTok dance trend
Oh dear: Dick Adams, a former McDonald’s restaurant owner and consultant to franchisees, told the publication the Cardi B offset endorsement was a “culture shock.”
Menus across the country: It was further claimed that franchisees were unhappy when rapper Travis Scott partnered with the fast-food brand in 2020 — due to his obscene lyrics
After the Super Bowl ad was released last month announcing their deal, Cardi and Offset shared a snap of them on Instagram, teasing the food and writing, “Get ready! Cardi B & Offset Meal Coming 2/14!! @MC Donalds.’
“Let me tell you, McDonald’s is a date night done right. It doesn’t all have to be Boujee. Get your date, get some good food and have fun, that’s it,” Offset said in a statement.
“Whether it’s a date night or a bite to eat after late night studio sessions … I always ask Offset to take me to McDonald’s,” Cardi B said in her statement.
“And now Offset and I are having a meal named after us! I want all my fans to try it — especially with this BBQ sauce,” she added.