A&W Root Beer released a statement on Tuesday that was a veiled mockery of M&M’s decision this week to pause the use of its “spokescandies” following political criticism.
“America, let’s talk,” M&M’s said in a statement on Monday. “In the last year, we’ve made some changes to our spokescandies. We weren’t sure if anyone would even notice. And we definitely didn’t think it would break the internet. But now we get it — even a candy’s shoes can be polarizing.”
“Therefore, we have decided to take an indefinite pause from the spokescandies,” the statement continued. “In their place, we are proud to introduce a spokesperson America can agree on: the beloved Maya Rudolph. We are confident Ms. Rudolph will champion the power of fun to create a world where everyone feels they belong.”
A&W released a statement on Tuesday mirroring the language used in M&M’s statement.
“America, let’s talk,” A&W said in its statement. “Since 1963, Rooty the Great Root Bear has been our beloved spokesbear. We knew people would notice because he’s literally a 6-foot tall bear wearing an orange sweater. But now we get it – even a mascot’s lack of pants can be polarizing.”
“Therefore, we have decided that Rooty will wear jeans going forward,” the statement continued. “Not to worry though: he will remain our official spokesbear. After all, he is un-bear-ably cute and im-paw-ssible to replace. We are confident Rooty will continue to champion good food & good times for many years to come…now in denim.”
After letting the statement go viral on Twitter, the company added: “Is now a good time to mention this is a joke? 😅”
Is now a good time to mention this is a joke? 😅
— A&W Restaurants (@awrestaurants) January 25, 2023
M&M’s, the popular chocolate candy owned by Mars Wrigley, announced that it was taking an “indefinite pause” from using its “spokescandies” in advertisements following criticisms from Fox News host Tucker Carlson over changes that the company made to the appearances of the spokescandies.
“M&M’s will not be satisfied until every last cartoon character is deeply unappealing and totally androgynous,” Carlson said. “Until the moment when you wouldn’t want to have a drink with any one of them. That’s the goal. When you’re totally turned off, we’ve achieved equity. They’ve won.”
Carlson declared that “woke M&M’s have returned” when the company introduced new spokescandies.
“The green M&M’s got her boots back but apparently is now a lesbian, maybe, and there is also a plus-sized, obese purple M&M’s,” he said at the time. “So we’re going to cover that, of course. Because that’s what we do.”