McDonald's recently released a 30-second TV advertisement to promote Disney's latest version of its classic "The Little Mermaid."
The commercial showcases Black Girls Surf, a California-based non-profit performance training camp aimed at girls and women who wish to surf competitively.
The ad begins with a group of young girls getting ready to surf and features 10-year-old professional surfer Maizy Gordon, who states, "I think it's important for girls to dream big," and "When I catch a wave, I feel like a mermaid" and immediately transitions to a brief image of Ariel portrayed by actress Halle Berry. It closes with the surfers enjoying a McDonald's happy meal while holding a "The Little Mermaid" toy.
- McDonald's says it has affirmed its commitment to Black Girls Surf by donating and providing experiences for members of the organization around the film's premiere and screening.
Disney's newest version of "The Little Mermaid" debuts in theatres across the U.S. today and has been subject to racist criticism due to Disney's casting of a Black actress. This is part of a broader issue of culture war battles surrounding race, gender, sexuality, and other seemingly contentious political issues.
- In May 2021, McDonald's announced plans to double investments in diverse media partners following a $10B discrimination lawsuit by Byron Allen's Allen Media Group against the fast food giant. The media group alleged that McDonald's refused to advertise with Black-owned media and had thus made false claims about its commitment.