ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

M&M’s Spokescandies Are ‘Back For Good’ Following Super Bowl Ad

Maya Rudolph made her debut as M&M’s new spokesperson with a freaky yet funny Super Bowl ad. Rebranded as “Ma&Ya’s Candy Coated Clam Bites,” the disgusting candy/clam combination commercial featured…

M & M's To Withdraw Cartoon Candies After "Woke" Criticism From The Right

In this photo illustration, M&M’s are piled in a container on January 24, 2023 in Miami, Florida. M&M’s announced that its multi-colored cast of candy cartoon spokespeople will be retiring effective immediately, and will be replaced by comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Maya Rudolph.

Illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Maya Rudolph made her debut as M&M's new spokesperson with a freaky yet funny Super Bowl ad. Rebranded as "Ma&Ya's Candy Coated Clam Bites," the disgusting candy/clam combination commercial featured human actors dressed in the original spokescandies' colors. The red M&M briefly appeared behind Rudolph at the end of the ad, holding a "HELP" sign.

Rudolph's stint was short-lived as the face of the candy brand, however. In another commercial, the original candy mascots held a postgame "press conference." The red M&M took the lead and said, "I can't believe we were actually put on pause." The orange M&M, who was rebranded as a mental health advocate last year, mentioned his anxiety. While the purple M&M said, "This is what I was made for. I mean, as a walking, talking candy, my options are pretty limited."

As we previously reported, M&M’s spokescandies have provoked right-wing outlets in recent weeks after the company announced a new “Flip the Status Quo“ campaign. The campaign raised money to support women in creative industries. It featured limited-edition candy bags with the three female mascots (green, brown and purple). Fox News host Tucker Carlson railed against “woke M&Ms” in a recent broadcast. He made similar complaints about the candies last January after M&M’s announced a new, inclusive look. “The green M&M got her boots back, but apparently, is now a lesbian maybe? And there’s also a plus-sized, obese purple M&M. So we’re going to cover that of course,” Carlson said in a clip.

The two female M&M's became a flashpoint in the culture war because their outfits were swapped out for less traditionally feminine attire. The brown M&M's stilettos were lowered to sensible pumps, and the green M&M's iconic heeled go-go boots were replaced with white sneakers. Many social media users, however, jokingly demanded the return of "sexy M&M's."

Laila Abuelhawa is the Top 40 and Hip-Hop pop culture writer for Beasley Media Group. Being with the company for over three years, Laila's fierce and fabulous red-carpet rankings have earned her a feature on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!' Her favorite stories are those surrounding the latest in celebrity fashion, television and film rankings, and how the world reacts to major celebrity news. With a background in journalism, Laila's stories ensure accuracy and offer background information on stars that you wouldn't have otherwise known. She prides herself in covering stories that inform the public about what is currently happening and what is to come in the ever-changing, ever-evolving media landscape.