Is This McDonald’s Toy Really Cursing at Children?

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McDonald’s is dismissing the concerns of parents who believe a Happy Meal toy uttered profanity in front of their children.

The parents (and grandparents) say the plastic version of a movie character known as a Minion repeats the three-word phrase commonly abbreviated as “WTF.”

The characters appear in the animated movie “Minions,” which hits theaters today. It’s a prequel to the movies “Despicable Me and “Despicable Me 2.”

The toy versions of the characters hit Happy Meals on July 3. In a July 2 press release, McDonald’s called its collaboration with the film franchise “one of the company’s biggest global promotions.”

Since then, the fast-food chain has released a statement in response to concerns. According to a combination CBS News and Associated Press report that appears on the CBS website:

“Minions speak ‘Minionese’ which is a random combination of many languages and nonsense words and sounds,” the statement says. “‘Minionese’ has no translation to, or meaning in any recognized language.”

McDonald’s adds that “any perceived similarities to words used within the English language is purely coincidental.”

The statement also says “a very small number of customers” have contacted McDonald’s about the toys.

According to Fox 28 in Columbus, Ohio, unhappy customers include Taylor King, who bought a Happy Meal for his 3-year-old son; and Robert Frazier, who bought Happy Meals for his three young children.

Frazier tells the local TV station:

“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.”

Bradley Merten, who bought a Happy Meal for his grandson, told WFTV Channel 9 in central Florida:

“It turned out to be a toy that decided to talk profanity. I can’t believe it’s coming out of a toy.”

Do you think the toy Minions are cursing? You can hear them speak on the CBS and WFTV videos. Then, let us know what you think by leaving a comment below or on Facebook.

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