“I’m disappointed… Popeyes hasn’t clarified”: FunnyMike calls out the chain, vowing to hold them “accountable” over streamer ad campaign

Popular YouTuber FunnyMike has publicly criticized Popeyes, the fast-food chain. The criticism, accusing the brand of ignoring streamers' concerns, comes after the chain failed to address concerns that surround the Popeyes Streamer Meals campaign.

The dispute includes multiple streamers whose images were allegedly used by Popeyes as part of a promotional campaign, reportedly without their approval. While this created a lot of confusion, it even made Popeyes face social media backlash. Here is all you need to know about the escalating tension between the online creator community and the brand.

FunnyMike slams Popeyes for ignoring streamers' concerns

FunnyMike has recently expressed his disappointment with the fast food chain, Popeyes’s silence. He stated, “I’m disappointed, and honestly surprised, that Popeyes hasn’t clarified their confusing Streamer Meals campaign." He felt quite compelled to speak out publicly because of the brand’s lack of response.

The YouTuber further declared he would pursue ways to hold them “accountable” over the dispute that stems from the controversial promotional ad campaign that was tied to the Streamer Prom event, which was held recently. The primary goal of the content creator with his released statement is twofold: to clear his name from involvement within Popeyes Streamer Meals and to ensure that the affected creators receive streamers compensation.

The entire fallout has widely resonated on social media. Even MrBeast voiced his confusion. His tweet directly to streamer Cinna read, "You’re telling me this isn’t real? I was just talking about it lol."

Cinna herself expressed her dismay earlier, recounting some awkward fan encounters. She, in her made X post, said, "bro people are going to Popeyes and trying to order this and dming confused please help LMAOOOOO."

Even streamer FaZe Lacy went ahead and publicly challenged Popeyes after his failed attempt to order his name bundle. His comment read, "yo how come I just showed up to my local Popeyes and they told me my “Lacy Bundle” wasn’t a meal?"

What sparked this whole controversy?

The controversy ignited as Popeyes launched a Build Your Own Bundle promotion, using the names and images of some prominent streamers like Lacy, Cinna, DDG and others.

All these creators were participants in FunnyMike’s Streamer Prom event, which was sponsored by Popeyes. However, Popeyes controversial marketing presented the custom Popeyes meal bundles as if they were official. They named meals available across their chain restaurants for ordering, but actually, they were not.All the confusion led to widespread criticism. Fans who flocked to the Popeyes locations tried to order the Cinna Meal or the Lacy Bundle, but they got turned away.

Quite crucially, streamers themselves were blindsided.It has been argued by Lacy that he didn’t give them the rights to use his image or any of the other images with a likeness of his face. However, he was then reminded that he likely signed a waiver at the event. Cinna further indicated her agency was trying to mitigate this entire situation, acknowledging it as a communication failure.FunnyMike, for now, has clarified his role, stressing that the Popeyes campaign was separate.

He said, "My ties to the streamer community run deep. My main goal in speaking out is to make it crystal clear: I’m not involved with Streamer Meals, and I want to make sure everyone affected is made whole.” The YouTuber even made sure to make it clear that he was not benefiting from the entire campaign in any way.As of now, Popeyes has still not offered a resolution or issued a statement in the case. However, with FunnyMike threatening legal action, and Popeyes social media backlash pressure is immense and sooner or later, the fast-food chain is expected to respond.