McDonald's officially launched the company's Happy Meal mascot Friday - one that some say looks a little scary.
A company spokeswoman told The Atlantic, arguably the loudest opinion, that the negative reception does not reflect everyone's thoughts on the lunchbox character's appearance.
"Not all comments reflect the broader view," the spokeswoman said.
The fast food giant's senior director of U.S. marketing told Mashable during a preview Monday that the mascot's image does not depict his true personality.
"You will see Ronald and him in our TV communications and and in our restaurants and packaging and all of our communications," Julie Wenger said. "We don't know if he'll be back in social media. His first seflie didn't convey his personality. We know social media is a platform for all kinds of people to say all kinds of things. Happy is certainly not going to be unhappy about it."
While some people could find the boxed marketing tool - with arms, legs, and an enormous cheesing face - strange looking, the famous chain claims it promotes joy and healthy eating.
"The animated meal character brings fun and excitement to kid's meals while also serving as an ambassador for balanced and wholesome eating," the company told Mashable.
Starting July 4th, McDonald's will offer 50-calorie Go-Gurt Low-Fat Strawberry Yogurt. Food maker General Mills will also put 25 percent less sugar in the dairy product than is typically found in standard Go-Gurt.
Wenger told Mashable, the new yogurt and mascot combination helps attract customers.
"At McDonald's, we're always looking to bring fun and happiness to families and listening to our customers' ask to have more variety and wholesome options for kids in their Happy Meals," Wenger said. "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."
Happy first launched in France in 2009. Latin America then welcomed the mascot.
McDonald's has kept busy recently, modifying its social media presence and marketing initiatives.
The company changed the famous Ronald McDonald mascot on April 24, according to a press release.
