M&Ms announced yesterday via its
social media channels it was putting its spokescandies on 'indefinite pause' following backlash the candy mascots have received in the last year.
Following a rebrand in 2022, which saw changes in footwear for some of the colors, updating personality quirks, dropping the Mr., Ms. or Miss titles, and even introducing a seventh spokescandy in late 2022, the spokescandies have now been sidelined and replaced with comedienne and actress Maya Rudolf.
The spokescandies, some of which had been in place since 1995, came under fire last year following updates to their appearance. Mars Wrigley, parent company of M&Ms, marketed the changes as being part of a more inclusive brand.
The Wall Street Journal reports, the decision to focus more on inclusivity drew criticism online, which a Change.org petition to “keep the Green M&M sexy” generating more than 20,000 signatures.
