McDonald's unveiled a new Happy Meal character on Monday and it's getting battered on social media.
The character resembles a Happy Meal box with a giant toothy smile.
Say hello to our newest friend, Happy! http://t.co/CuR3hU8Chj #HappyMeal pic.twitter.com/xgluLaHfcY
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) May 19, 2014
Called "Happy," the character is meant to "bring fun and excitement to kids’ meals while also serving as an ambassador for balanced and wholesome eating," according to the company.
"Happy" will encourage kids to eat fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and water, the company added.
But people appear to be terrified and confused by the new character.
@McDonalds THAT! is Scary!
— Doctor Zombield (@DrZombield) May 19, 2014
@McDonalds WHy is he in pain
— spot (@spo_ky) May 19, 2014
@McDonalds @sevendeadlywins oh god who thought this was a good idea
— sparkly shark (@sharked_up) May 19, 2014
.@McDonalds @winnersusedrugs That is not right with God.
— Boogie (@Boogieknight) May 19, 2014
.@McDonalds might want to go back to the drawing board, I think I'm going to have nightmares.
— #FiveSeasons&AFamily (@applextree) May 19, 2014
@sevendeadlywins @McDonalds this is horrifying
— ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (@ArielTaBAKA) May 19, 2014
@applextree @McDonalds I didn't want to sleep tonight anyways, it's cool.
— Jamie (@wonkachu) May 19, 2014
@wonkachu @McDonalds yep, never going to be able to see a happy meal again.
— #FiveSeasons&AFamily (@applextree) May 19, 2014
.@McDonalds oh, this was a mistake, McDonald's
— jitka (@jitka) May 19, 2014
.@McDonalds Please tell me an unpaid intern designed this, because otherwise, there's no excuse.
— Sarah (@art_ticulate) May 19, 2014
In response to the criticism, McDonald's USA released a statement noting that the character debuted in foreign markets several years ago and "has been loved and well-received by children and families in Latin America and Europe."
"Social media is a great place to have a conversation and express an opinion, but not all comments reflect the broader view," the company said.
