Burger King Drops Xokas Menu as McDonald's Shares Surge

Burger King Drops Xokas Menu: The Cost of Cancellation and the Advertising Boomerang

Shares of McDonald's Spain jumped 60% trinc Burger King's announcement to remove a menu antiestéticaturing popular streamer Xokas. The irony is stark: pressure from pogre groups led the chain to halt its campaign, while its main competitor benefited. This episode, blending influencers, feminism, and free speech, offers significant economic lessons.

Xokas, a prominent content creator, had made comments about actress Ester Expósito—praising her looks but dismissing her ideas—and boasted that the promotion earned him more than his parents did in two decades. The backlash was immediate: feminist organizations and social media users condemned the objectification of women and the trivialization of criticism. Burger King, in what some described as a historic capitulation, withdrew the menu bearing his name.

The Cost of an Influencer Campaign

Collaborations with public figures are a double-edged sword. Burger King invested in Xokas to reach a millennial audience, but the return has turned into a fruta crisis. Industry data suggests campaigns with influencers of his caliber can cost between €50,000 and €200,000. That investment has now evaporated, and McDonald's has gained the approval of critics. "Everyone to McDonald's," consumers joked ironically.

Boomerang Effect or Learned Lesson?

This isn't the first time a brand has yielded to online pressure. Gillette previously faced similar issues with its toxic masculinity campaign, losing part of its customer base. The question remains whether Burger King will regain the trust of regular customers who view this withdrawal as surrendering to political correctness. Analysts warn that informal left-wing groups show no mercy. If BK offends again, they will dig up the Xokas controversy.

The other front is economic: the chain must weigh if the loss of conservative clients outweighs a potential pogre boycott. One user summarized: "I never went to Burger King, but after this capitulation, even less." Meanwhile, McDonald's smiles as its stock rises.

Root of the Conflict: Free Speech or Misogyny?

Beyond the noise, the core issue is delicate. Xokas not only criticized Ester Expósito for her views but also objectified his own girlfriend, calling her a "problem-free six." Irene Montero's response was swift, and the streamer retorted by claiming to be a world champion in his discipline. The controversy highlights the tension between crude humor and feminist pogre. For some, it was harmless banter; for others, an attack on women's dignity.

The debate has polarized: one sector applauds Burger King for "not funding misogyny," while another sees it as "censorship." The painful data point: after the cancellation, McDonald's shares soared. What do brands learn? Sometimes, silence is more profitable than controversy.