McDonald's Netherlands Pulls AI Christmas Ad After Three Days Due to 'Creepy' Backlash

Dec 10, 2025
New York Post
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Summary

McDonald's Netherlands yanks AI-generated Christmas commercial after just three days as viewers slam the 45-second ad featuring artificial people in holiday disasters as 'creepy' and 'soulless,' marking another major brand backlash against AI-created marketing content.

Key Points

  • McDonald's Netherlands removes AI-generated Christmas advertisement after just three days following massive viewer backlash calling it 'creepy' and 'soulless'
  • The 45-second commercial depicts AI-generated people experiencing holiday disasters set to a negative version of 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year', ending with advice to 'hide out in McDonald's until January's here'
  • McDonald's Netherlands calls the controversy an 'important learning' moment while exploring AI use, as other major brands like Coca-Cola and Valentino face similar backlash for AI-generated advertisements

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