M&M's replaces 'spokescandies' after Tucker Carlson called them 'less sexy'

WASHINGTON (TND) — Candy brand M&M's made asurprising moveMonday to bench its "spokescandies" and replace them with Saturday Night Live alum Maya Rudolph.

The announcement comes after the candy company famously made some changes to a few of the candy mascots, such as changing the green M&M's shoes from high heels to sneakers. The changes were said to be in the name of inclusivity.

But the change in candy mascot footwear led to Fox News host Tucker Carlson calling the M&M's "less sexy," something the internet widely mocked him for.What was a promotion for candy instead became a battle of political beliefs.

The spokescandies then became a popular target for internet memes.In response to its apparently "polarizing" mascot changes, M&M's says it has now found a "spokesperson America can agree on."

America. Let's talk. In the last year, we’ve made some changes to our beloved spokescandies. We weren’t sure if anyone would notice. And we definitely didn’t think it would break the internet,” M&M's statement, shared on social media, says. “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."

Therefore, we decided to take an indefinite pause from the spokescandies,” the statement added. “In their place, we are proud to announce a spokesperson America can agree on: the beloved Maya Rudolph. We are confident Ms. Rudolph will champion the power of fun to create a world where everyone feels they belong."

Rudolph's first appearance as M&M's new mascot will be in a Super Bowl advertisement, according to TODAY.com.

I’m thrilled to be working with M&M’s,” Rudolph reportedly said. “I am a lifelong lover of the candy and I feel like it’s such an honor to be asked to be part of such a legendary brand’s campaign."

Rudolph didn't reveal many details about the upcoming ad, but did say that it would be full of "lots of fun" moments.

It’s a very fun pairing, if I do say so myself,” Rudolph told TODAY.com. “I think little Maya would be thrilled to get to work with M&M’s."

Now, as the replacement of the spokescandies comes right before Super BowlLVII, and M&M's is a company know for its Super Bowl ad campaigns, it should be noted that this change and announcement is more than likely all a part of a larger Super Bowl advertisement promotion.

Mars has delivered some of the most buzz-worthy Super Bowl moments over the years, and we’re inspired by the M&M’s brand being back in the mix in a new way for 2023,"Mars’ chief marketing officer Gabrielle Wesley said in a statement, according to ConfectionaryNews.com.

Mars Incorporated is one of the largest candy product producers in the world and owns the M&Ms brand.

Rudolph is a celebrated actress who has appearances and roles across several critically acclaimed shows, including "The Good Place" and "Loot." She also is known for her role in "Bridesmaids."