M&M’s is backing away from using “Spokes Scandies” and tapping Maya Rudolph as their new spokeswoman instead after the brand’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion prompted a backlash from the right that they were “waking up.”
The brand released a statement on Monday that read: “America, let’s talk. Over the past year, we’ve made some changes to our beloved spokes. We weren’t sure if anyone would notice. And we certainly didn’t think wasn’t going to break the internet. But now we have it — even a candy’s shoes can be polarizing. That was the last thing M&M’s wanted because we’re all about bringing people together.”
M&M’s will ditch the controversial “Spokes Scandies” and instead feature Rudolph as someone who “defends the power of pleasure to create a world where everyone feels they belong.”
Last year, M&M’s found itself at the center of a performance furor as commentators bemoaned changes to the Spokescandies. Carlson asked for M&M’s with the green sign Wear sneakers instead of the previous “sexy boots”. More recently, Carlson warned that “woke M&Ms are back, calling the introduction of a purple M&M character “obese” and lamenting the brand’s return from boots to green M&Ms.” “Apparently a lesbian now?” M&Ms previously launched a campaign this month. “Supporting Women Turning the Status Quo” with packs of Ghost Candy.
While Carlson and other anchors have perfected the cable news outcry and grievances, the war over M&M’s ties has sparked a broader corporate backlash for “waking up,” a term often used for efforts to emphasize diversity and inclusion. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made it part of his gubernatorial strategy and likely presidential campaign if he decides to run in 2024.
Rudolph is not apolitical — she appeared with Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris at a fundraiser for Joe Biden in 2020 — but the move appears designed to stay out of the political fray. M&M’s parent company, Mars Wrigley, is planning a Super Bowl ad.
Author: Ted Johnson
Source: Deadline
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
