McDonald's to remove 'tasteless' sign after putting it opposite crematorium

McDonald's has assured it will remove a sign advertising one of its burgers after it was branded 'tasteless' due to its position opposite a crematorium.

We all know that McDonald's has dozens of items on its menu, the vast majority of which you'd never connect with the act of being cremated.

French fries? They're just a tasty side dish! The Big Mac? That just brings big joy. The McCrispy... well, that's where our problem begins.

Featuring a chicken breast fillet in a crispy, crunchy coating, the burger itself isn't an issue. But when you advertise anything 'crispy' near an establishment responsible for putting deceased people into a huge furness, it's hard not to make the connection.

Unfortunately, this connection wasn't considered when the advert for the McCrispy appeared on a bus stop directly opposite Penmount Crematorium in Cornwall.

The sign is literally positioned behind another pointing to the crematorium, resulting in it being described as 'tasteless'.

One woman, whose mother-in-law was cremated at the establishment last year, told CornwallLive: "Although I can see the funny side, it is tasteless and I'm sure some grieving family members won't like to see it when visiting Penmount for the funeral and cremation of a loved one."

CornwallLive

The sign has received mixed reactions, with one person admitting that 'how funny it is will probably depend on how long ago you followed the crematorium sign wearing a black tie'.

Others couldn't get enough of the humorous side though, with one responding: "Fell off the chair laughing," while another couldn't resist saying: "I’m lovin’ it."

In spite of the partial backing the sign has received, McDonald's has now said it will remove the sign.

The company made clear it is taking the matter seriously, and when shown a photograph of the sign a spokesperson said: "We were unaware of the road sign in the vicinity of this bus stop. However, in light of the concerns raised by CornwallLive, we have asked for our advertisement to be removed."

There have reportedly been rumours in the area that the advert would be replaced by a poster advertising Burger King's flame-grilled Whopper, though those claims haven't been substantiated, and really just wouldn't be a good idea.

So it's unclear at the moment what will be put in its place, but I imagine some McNuggets or a McFlurry would be a much safer option.

Cornwall Council, which runs the crematorium and owns the bus shelter, has said it was unable to comment on the matter.