Cardi B and Offset’s McDonald’s meal has been boycotted by multiple franchises who say that the couple doesn’t represent the company’s values.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the couple’s date night-themed meal — which includes a Cheeseburger, side of BBQ sauce, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, large Fries, two large Drinks and an Apple Pie — has caused several franchise owners to push back against the collaboration over claims Cardi and Offset’s lyrics and overall lifestyle don’t represent the family-friendly values of the Golden Arches.
More details on which franchise owners and how many were part of the boycott weren’t immediately available, but it was reported that some owners refused to sell and promote the meal at their restaurants.
“Across our marketing, we’re focused on putting McDonald’s at the center of culture,” McDonald’s U.S. chief marketing officer Tariq Hassan told Insider. “Artist collabs have helped reignite fans’ love for our food and fueled significant business momentum, both for the company and our restaurant owner/operators.”
He continued: “Cardi and Offset are an iconic couple who have their own date-night tradition at McDonald’s that goes back years. We’re proud to share a little piece of that with customers across the U.S. with our latest campaign, which is about love and celebrating the special moments we all share over McDonald’s.”
When the celebrity meal launched on Valentine’s Day, McDonald’s sought to market their restaurants as a date night destination, with both Cardi and Offset leaning fully into the idea of a Micky D’s being a romantic hot spot.
“Let me tell you, McDonald’s is date night done right,” Offset said in a press release when the meal was announced. “It doesn’t have to be all boujee. Get your date, grab some good food, and have fun, that’s it.”
The Cardi B and Offset meal is just the latest in a line of McDonald’s celebrity-backed food ventures, which the company calls “Famous Orders.” Travis Scott, Saweetie, Mariah Carey and BTS are just a few of the artists who’ve crafted exclusive meals with the fast food giant.
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, Cardi said that she herself had a “perfect” V-Day with Offset this year. The Bronx bombshell reflected on her special day on social media and shouted out their McDonald’s meal, which the couple originally unveiled in a commercial aired during Super Bowl LVII.
“Got sooo much love from my hubby last night and on top of that we’re getting sooo much love and support on our McDonald’s meal, all of this really got my heart full,” Cardi wrote on Twitter. “More merch and content coming out soon …Love yall.”
In turn, Cardi thanked her husband profusely for her Valentine’s Day experience. “My baby did soo good yesterday……….Gave him that Henny neck 3000!” she tweeted.
