U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
SpaceX Pushes for Early Stock Index Inclusion Ahead of Potential Record-Breaking IPO 
What’s the difference between baking powder and baking soda? It’s subtle, but significant 
Youth are charting new freshwater futures by learning from the water on the water 
CK Hutchison Launches Arbitration After Panama Court Revokes Canal Port Licences 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Why a ‘rip-off’ degree might be worth the money after all – research study 
Yes, government influences wages – but not just in the way you might think 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Glastonbury is as popular than ever, but complaints about the lineup reveal its generational challenge 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
McDonald's reintroduction of the Grimace character with a new berry-flavored milkshake to commemorate his birthday has sparked an unexpectedly dark yet humorous trend on TikTok, known as the Grimace Shake Incident. The trend involves creators simulating their own eerie "deaths" after sipping the drink, causing a flood of memes across social media platforms.
The Grimace Shake Incident involves TikTok creators sipping the milkshake and then simulating their own deaths in haunting scenarios. These videos typically begin with creators wishing to Grimace a happy birthday. As they take a sip of the shake, the footage abruptly cuts to scenes where they portray themselves as lifeless or injured, with the purple milkshake ominously flowing from their mouth, nose, or even head.
McDonald's commemorated Grimace's 52nd birthday on June 12 by reintroducing the beloved character from the 60s with limited-time treats and meals. Although McDonaldland icons like Grimace and the Hamburglar haven't been in the spotlight since the 2000s, Grimace has now captured the attention of Gen-Z TikTokers, catapulting him to viral fame.
These TikTok clips showcase individuals enthusiastically tasting the Grimace shake while extending birthday wishes, but as soon as they take a sip, hilariously staged fake deaths occur, often with a playful purple puddle. TikToker @ruiz_alv04 reportedly initiated the viral trend in a video shared on June 24. Known for his mischievous antics, Grimace's spoof videos pay homage to his villainous side, adding a humorous twist to the celebrations.
On Tuesday, the official McDonald's account tweeted a message that read, "meee pretending i don't see the grimace shake trendd," accompanied by a picture of Grimace appearing horrified.
According to the online meme, database Know Your Meme, the first Grimace Shake Incident TikTok was posted on June 13 by user Austin Frazier (@thefrazmaz). Since then, the trend has turned toward the dark and cinematic.
Frazier shared with NBC News' Stay Tuned that he drew inspiration from a TikTok video where someone pretended to be in the hospital after trying Burger King's Spider-Verse Whopper. Initially, Frazier expected his Grimace Shake video to be a one-off success. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the many users who joined to create their renditions.
Frazier explained that what's fantastic about it is that it became a trend that took off, allowing for creativity and individuality. He added that while he may have had a certain vision, it opened the door for people to infuse their unique humor, whether it be funny, dark, or even horror-inspired.
Photo; Erik Mclean/Unsplash
