Double Tap to Zoom

M&Ms is ditching its famed "spokescandies" — anthropomorphized cartoon renderings of each color M&M — in response to the wave of conservative backlash it faced for changing the characters' footwear.

"In the last year, we’ve made some changes to our beloved spokescandies," M&Ms said in a statement posted to its official Twitter account. "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. Which was the last thing M&M’s wanted since we’re all about bringing people together."

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

Last January, candy conglomerate Mars, Inc. swapped the the green M&M's signature high-heeled boots for flat sneakers, a choice that set conservative talking head Tucker Carlson over the edge. The Fox News talk show host was so angered that he took to the air to complain that Mars was making the cartoon candies "less sexy." (Because apparently talking chocolates should look arousing?)

"M&Ms will not be satisfied until every last cartoon character is deeply unappealing and totally androgynous until the moment you wouldn't want to have a drink with any one of them," he said.

In a seeming attempt to quell Carlson's rage, M&Ms has decided to put an "indefinite pause" on the spokescandies. "In their place, we are proud to introduce a spokesperson America can agree on: the beloved Maya Rudolph."

The comedian and actor will make her first appearance as M&Ms' "Chief of Fun" in the candy company's upcoming Super Bowl spot.

We Recommend
  • James Gray Is on a Mission to Make Movies With “a Greater Truth”
  • Hennessy Very Special Cocktails Presents: The Art of Hosting, According to Sierra Rena
  • Alfa Romeo Made Literal Yacht-Tier Luna Rossa Cars
What To Read Next
  • Allow Nike’s Portal Air Max to Take Us to Another Planet
  • Now This Is a Swanky Samba We Can Get Behind This Fall
  • Moncler’s Dream Alpine Rotation? Cher, Grace Jones, and JENNIE
  • adidas’ Chocolate Retro Sneaker Is an Italian Dessert
  • Andrew Reynolds Turns New Balance Dad Shoes Into a Skater's Cup of Tea
  • A Hardy Air Jordan Boot Gets a Winter Glow-Up