M&M’s replace spokescandies with Maya Rudolph following controversy
The brand said that it didn’t expect “anyone to even notice” changes to its iconic characters.
M&M’s have announced that they are putting an “indefinite pause” on its iconic characters and replacing them with actress Maya Rudolph following controversy over its mascot refresh last year.
The news comes after the brand gave their mascots a new look, including more unique personalities, last year. They also introduced a new purple M&M in September that was created to represent acceptance and inclusivity.
M&M say they didn’t expect the changes to “break the internet”, and that they would be introducing Rudolph as its spokesperson since she is someone “America can agree on.”
M&M controversy
M&M’s mascot changes included the green M&M swapping out her knee-high heeled boots for sneakers, while the brown M&M left her stilettos behind in exchange for shorter heels.
The brand also announced a new “Flip the Status Quo’ campaign, which raised money to support women in creative industries and featured limited-edition candy bars with the three female mascots.
The changes resulted in backlash from conservatives, including Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who hit out at the “woke M&M’s”.
“M&M’s will not be satisfied until every last cartoon character is deeply unappealing and totally androgynous,” Carlson said on his show, ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight’.
The brand posted a video on social media on Sunday which featured their mascots celebrating the Lunar New Year, so it’s unclear how long the pause will last.
“But now we get it — even a candy’s shoes can be polarizing,” the brand wrote. “Which is the last thing M&M’s wanted since we’re all about bringing people together.”
Rudolph thrilled to take over
Speaking to TODAY.com, Rudolph says she’s been a lifelong lover of M&M’s.
“I’m thrilled to be working with M&M’s,” she said. “I am a lifelong lover of the candy and I feel like it’s such an honor to be asked to be part of such a legendary brand’s campaign.”
Although was short on details as to what the partnership will entail, she did say that a younger version of herself would be delighted with the news.
“It’s a very fun pairing, if I do say so myself. I think little Maya would be thrilled to get to work with M&M’s.”