The six colorful M&M characters have recently received a makeover of their appearances to better reflect the “dynamic” and “progressive” world, said Mars, the company behind M&M’s. The company claims that the purpose of the redesign is to spotlight the characters’ personalities instead of their genders. Yet, this sudden rebranding upset many, with some criticizing the “less appealing” appearances and others angered at the timing as it relates to the filing of lawsuits against the Mars Corporation.

This redesign occurred just as the news was reporting large chocolate companies facing child slavery lawsuits in the U.S. These companies, including Mars, are defendants in a lawsuit filed by the human rights first International Rights Advocates (IRA). Eight former child slaves accuse these companies of forcing them to work without pay on cocoa plantations in the west African country.

Many companies named in this lawsuit have released statements against child slavery and defending their own innocence, with a spokesperson from Hershey stating, “We have worked hard over the past several years to implement meaningful programs and work with our cocoa suppliers and West African governments to combat these issues and use our influence to make a positive impact.” Yet, when asked about the lawsuit, a Mars spokesperson said, “We don’t comment on any possible pending litigation.”

Critics of the M&M redesign believe that the modernization of the characters was simply made to distract from how the product was made. Others blame “woke culture” for the changes. The most recognizable change in the redesign is with the green M&M, who now wears sports sneakers instead of white heeled go-go boots. Similarly, the brown M&M’s heels were shortened. Conservative news anchor, Tucker Carlson, was upset at the less ‘sexy’ characterization, stating “M&M’s will not be satisfied until every last cartoon character is deeply unappealing and totally androgynous. Until the moment you wouldn’t want to have a drink with any one of them. That’s the goal.”

The green and brown M&M rebrand isn’t limited to their appearances. They will also have a more friendly relationship to show women supporting women. The characters will “together throw shine and not shade,” according to Mars. Furthermore, the orange M&M will address his anxiety and the red M&M will be kinder.