Is this McDonald's Minions Happy Meal Toy Saying 'F---'?
“What the f—”
That’s what several parents are saying as they listen to their children’s talking Minions toys from McDonald’s spout out what they claim to be swear words.
Local news outlets in Florida and Ohio reported this week that concerned parents can hear the happy meal prizes saying “What the f—”
Related: Box-Office Preview: ‘Minions’ Could Match 'Toy Story 3’ With $110M U.S. Debut
“It turned out to be a toy that decided to talk profanity,” Florida grandparent Bradley Merten told local Orlando ABC affiliate WFTV. “I can’t believe it’s coming out of a toy.”
His family contacted WFTV after purchasing the toy. McDonald’s is including one of three talking Minions toys in its happy meals as a promotion for the Universal movie, which hits theaters Friday. The allegedly foul-mouthed Minion seems to be the loincloth-wearing one.
The Florida grandfather said he was concerned his granddaughter would pick up the phrase, adding of McDonalds, “Check their toys before they hand them over.”
Similarly, in Ohio, fathers Taylor King and Robert Frazier heard the Minions in their kids’ happy meals cursing and didn’t want their kids to hear it.
Related: 'Minions’ Premiere: Don Draper Writes the Film’s Ad Campaign
“I heard what it said and I’m like, 'Whoa, hang on here,’” King told Columbus, Ohio Fox affiliate WTTE. “It clearly says what it says.”
Frazier added, “As soon as we heard it, her mom took it away. I listened to it and that’s when we found out that’s what it was saying.”
One parent also posted a YouTube video — which you can watch above — in which he claims the toy says “Well, I’ll be damned” and “What the f—”
McDonald’s told The Hollywood Reporter that the toys aren’t cursing but speak “Minionese.”
Related: 'Minions’: Film Review
“Minions speak ‘Minionese’ which is a random combination of many languages and nonsense words and sounds,“ a rep for McDonald’s told THR via email. "We’re aware of a very small number of customers who have been in touch regarding this toy, and we apologize for any confusion or offense to those who may have interpreted the sounds for anything other than jibberish. The allegation that this toy is saying any offensive phrase is not true. Any perceived similarities to actual English words are purely coincidental.”
Furthermore, McDonald’s told THR what the Caveman Minion is saying: “para la bukay,” “hahaha,” and “eh eh.”
Universal’s Minions, the prequel following the lovable yellow creatures from the Despicable Mefilms, hits theaters Friday, featuring the voices of Sandra Bullock, Allison Janney and Jon Hamm.
Watch an interview with ‘Minions’ star Jon Hamm below:
