That Story About McDonald's Getting Rid Of The Big Mac And Apple Pies? Yeah, It's A Hoax!
It's just one of the countless viral hoaxes that keep popping into your Facebook News Feed.
By Sadho Ram — 04 Jan 2015, 01:34 AM — Updated almost 10 years ago
When it comes to hoaxes and people falling for them, it seems 2015 is going to be no different than 2014 (SAYS alone debunked over 50 hoaxes last year). As the world welcomed 2015, the Internet went into full panic mode when rumours surfaced that McD's has decided to get rid of both the Big Mac and apple pies.
Thanks to the story that actually appeared in December 2014 on Daily Buzz Live, several gullible people across the world believed that McDonald's is actually getting rid of their Big Mac, apple pies, and large sizes. However, benefit of the doubt can be given as Daily Buzz Live features both real news stories and satire pieces.
Earlier this month, McDonald’s announced plans to pare down its menu in an effort to simplify its offerings amid flagging U.S. sales.
On Friday, a website called Daily Buzz Live posted an article with a screenshot of a fake tweet from the McDonald’s account that reads, “It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that the Big Mac will no longer be apart of our menu. It is our sincerest apologies.”
Despite the grammatical errors, the post has gone mega viral on social media.
Also the fact that Daily Buzz Live intentionally labelled the said story under the categories "controversial" and "news" but not satire, did a very good job of making people fall for it. However, as this marked screenshot by SAYS shows, the faked McDonald's tweet about the death of the Big Mac is dated 20 December — a FULL ONE DAY AFTER THE STORY ITSELF WAS POSTED.
After the story was published, here's how people reacted:
THEY'RE GETTING RID OF THE BIG MAC AT MCDONALD'S WHAT IS LIFE OMG.
— Celie Austin (@celie_austin) December 22, 2014
McDonald's getting rid of Big Mac is a gimmick. They just using them drug dealer tactics. It'll be "back for a limited time" soon.
— M.D.GNA (@circa90ne) December 22, 2014
Apparently Mcdonalds is getting rid of the Big Mac
— Ernie (@joshlambe_) December 22, 2014
Just saw that McDonald's is getting rid of the Big Mac. And I just died a little inside because that's my 2 am drunk meal.
— Sarah Gilford (@sarahgilford) December 22, 2014
In case you need more proof, here's McDonald's confirming on their Twitter account that the said story is just another viral hoax
@JewlzSantana Stop the press! This is just a rumor. The Big Mac is staying on our menu!
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) January 3, 2015
@MF_Stock Hey there! That's just a rumor! Have no fear, our Apple Pies are here to stay!
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) December 23, 2014
@testathebesta Whoa, whoa, whoa—hold the phone! That's just a rumor—the Big Mac isn't going anywhere, Dave!
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) December 23, 2014
@ShayRenee7 Hi Shayla! That's just a silly rumor. Don't worry—the Big Mac & Apple Pie aren't going anywhere!
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) January 3, 2015
So, everyone, relax!
WHOEVER STARTED THE RUMOR THAT MCDONALD'S IS GETTING RID OF THE BIG MAC DESERVES A SPECIAL PLACE IN HELL FOR THE HEARTATTACK I HAD
— «pez» (@ohpez) December 22, 2014