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McDonald’s Apologizes For Splitting Its Logo Up To Portray Social Distancing
By Mikelle Leow, 26 Mar 2020

Image by McDonald’s Brazil via Ads of the World
McDonald’s delivery fell flat when it tweaked its logo to promote social distancing.
The marketing gimmick, produced by advertising agency DPZ&T for McDonald’s Brazil, saw the Golden Arches being split apart with the two halves standing away from each other.
The fast food chain told customers that the updated emblem signified the need to stay “separated for a moment to always be together.”
It turned out to be a badababa-bad move, and social media users criticized the stunt, describing that this was its only action in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Customers argued that there were more important steps to take instead of amending a logo, such as giving employees paid sick leave while its restaurants are shut down to contain COVID-19.
“Shame on everyone [for] turning this pandemic into an award brief,” one Twitter user wrote.
Since then, McDonald’s Brazil has apologized for the campaign, telling the New York Post, “As a brand that operates in nearly 120 countries, we share a collective responsibility to help our communities in times of need.”
The company also apologized “for any misunderstanding of the intent to remind our customers and communities on the importance of social distancing during these uncertain times.”

Image by McDonald’s Brazil via Ads of the World
Shame on this idea and this agency. Shame on everyone turning this pandemic into an award brief 💔
— Rafa Pérez Hevia (@rafapcolombia) March 20, 2020
Hey @McDonalds I made a better social distancing ad for you. pic.twitter.com/ZB38IRRiX2
— Jesse Alkire (@JesseAlkire) March 22, 2020
[via Creative Bloq, images by McDonald’s Brazil via Ads of the World]
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