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title: McDonald&#x27;s &quot;Happy&quot; New Mascot Looks Terrifying
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# McDonald's Just Introduced an Absolutely Terrifying New Happy Meal Mascot

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by 

[Laura Stampler](https://time.com/author/laura-stampler/)


## Laura Stampler


May 19, 2014 9:25 PM UTC

by 

[Laura Stampler](https://time.com/author/laura-stampler/)


## Laura Stampler


May 19, 2014 9:25 PM UTC

If McDonald’s truly wanted its pint-sized customer base to make healthier choices, then why in the name of all things holy would it make its [brand new brand ambassador for “balanced and wholesome eating” look like this](http://news.mcdonalds.com/US/releases/McDonald-s-USA-Introduces-New-Low-Fat-Yogurt-Side):

> [](https://twitter.com/McDonalds/status/468466673784455169)

This big toothed, bug-yet-somehow-still-squinty-eyed character’s name is Happy. And if you have the power of sight, you might have noticed that he is absolutely terrifying. The social media reaction hasn’t been too positive:

> [](https://twitter.com/DrZombield/status/468466801555546113)

> [](https://twitter.com/Naive%5FSteve/status/468473535934259200)

McDonald’s has some experience with creating characters who strike fear into the hearts of small children. Let’s take you back to the time of the original Grimace.

> [](https://twitter.com/FullFrontal/status/441369187533864960)

[Ron Bergold, the former chief creative officer at McDonald’s, wrote a column for ](http://www.qsrmagazine.com/roy-bergold/your-brand-top-mind)[_QSR Magazin_](http://www.qsrmagazine.com/roy-bergold/your-brand-top-mind)_e_ that recalled their accidental creation of the milkshake stealing creature known as Evil Grimace: “The original Grimace was scaly, mean-looking, had four arms, and had no charm whatsoever. He scared kids. We changed him to a soft, plush, two-armed blob of a sweetheart who only wanted McDonald’s milkshakes and to hang out with Ronald.”

Exhibit B:

> [](https://twitter.com/saladinahmed/status/459525175101227008)

McDonald’s didn’t respond for immediate comment about the scared social media responses to the character. But in the company’s defense, what fast food mascot isn’t just a wee bit terrifying?

The Burger King king literally creeps into customers’ beds at night:

> [](https://twitter.com/davescupboard/status/314411456084971524)

And don’t even get me started on this guy:

> [](https://twitter.com/A%5FCarp/status/444543633195548672)

(Note: [Quizno’s eventually filed for bankruptcy.](http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/13/business/court-approves-quiznos-reorganization.html?%5Fr=0))

“Happy” was introduced Monday along with the company’s new low-fat yogurt. Julie Wenger, McDonald’s senior director of U.S. marketing, said in a statement that, “Together, Happy and Go-GURT Low-Fat Strawberry Yogurt give kids and parents something to look forward to during their next trip to McDonald’s.” Unfortunately, that trip might occur in their nightmares.

**UPDATE at 7:40 am,Tuesday:** A McDonald’s spokesperson provided the following statement regarding Happy:

---

> “”

---

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