J Balvin and McDonald’s Release Merchandise Line in Addition to Meal | Eater
"After the runaway success of the Travis Scott meal, the fast-food chain rolled out a J Balvin collaboration to recapture that buzz and divert attention from ongoing discrimination lawsuits. The limited-time menu hasn't matched the previous hype—partly because many customers report difficulty finding locations with a working McFlurry machine—but it comes with an over-the-top merch drop that leans into Balvin's vivid, playful aesthetic. The exclusive collection (which Balvin says channels his personality and creativity) includes a hot-pink bedspread printed with french fries, McFlurry-style bucket hats, a near–Nike-pink sweatshirt, temporary tattoos styled like a meal receipt, and a novelty brass-knuckle–style accessory that would likely trigger airport security. Overall the promotion feels like a candy-coated, Bazooka Joe–style funhouse: bold, whimsical, and geared more toward spectacle than subtle menu innovation." - Jaya Saxena
