Golden Arches Tarnished Over Campaign with “WAP” Singer

LOS ANGELES (March 2, 2023) – The Parents Television and Media Council (PTC) said that McDonald’s franchises are right to express concerns that a marketing campaign featuring Cardi B, whose songs routinely feature explicit and offensive lyrics, does not fit the brand’s family-friendly image.

According to The Wall Street Journal, “The company’s Golden Arches Code for marketing states that promotions and branding shouldn’t include ‘musical partnerships associated with content that includes offensive language in the lyrics,’ according to a copy of the document reviewed by the Journal.”

“McDonald’s Golden Arches are tarnished by its association with a performer whose songs routinely feature explicit lyrics, such as ‘Wet A** Pussy.’ Franchises are right to be concerned that this association does not align with McDonald’s family-friendly image. McDonald’s should end its marketing campaign with Cardi B immediately,” said Melissa Henson, vice president of the Parents Television and Media Council.

“Businesses demonstrate their corporate values not so much by their words, but by their deeds. If McDonald’s has a code that that suggests partnerships should not happen with artists that use explicit lyrics in their songs, the company must abide by this standard. It appears McDonald’s has not in this case and needs to take corrective action.”