WASHINGTON — McDonald’s Netherlands has pulled a Christmas commercial made with artificial intelligence after the ad sparked intense backlash online.

The 45-second spot , created entirely with generative AI, debuted Dec. 6 on McDonald’s Netherlands’ YouTube channel. Within days, viewers criticized the ad’s unsettling visuals and editing.

McDonald’s Netherlands removed the video on Dec. 9. In a statement to BBC News, the company said the ad intended to "reflect the stressful moments that can occur during the holidays" but acknowledged the response.

“This moment serves as an important learning as we explore the effective use of AI,” McDonald’s Netherlands said.

The commercial, produced by Dutch ad agency TBWA\Neboko and U.S.-based production company The Sweetshop, portrayed holiday

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