Junk Food “Fails” & Disasters (Public & Corporate)
The Biggest Junk Food Product Recalls in History (And Why They Happened)
Major junk food recalls occur due to contamination (salmonella, E.coli, listeria), undeclared allergens, foreign objects (metal, plastic), or mislabeling. These recalls, affecting millions of units, protect public health but damage brand reputation and incur significant costs.
Liam remembered the massive 2009 peanut butter recall due to salmonella, affecting hundreds of snack products. “It was huge!” he said. “Suddenly, so many familiar junk foods were pulled from shelves.” These incidents highlight the critical importance of food safety in mass production.
When New Junk Food Flavors Totally Bombed: Corporate Fails
Companies constantly launch new junk food flavors to create excitement, but many fail spectacularly due to unappealing taste combinations, poor market research, or straying too far from brand identity, becoming memorable corporate blunders.
Sarah cringed recalling “Crystal Pepsi” in the 90s. “What were they thinking? Clear cola?” It, along with Lay’s “Cappuccino” flavored chips, became legendary examples of new junk food flavors that totally bombed, proving innovation doesn’t always equal success.
The Most Disgusting Things Ever Found in Junk Food (Viewer Discretion Advised)
Unfortunately, isolated incidents occur where consumers find foreign objects or contaminants in packaged or restaurant junk food—insects, metal shards, plastic pieces, or even small rodents—leading to disgust, recalls, and lawsuits, highlighting lapses in quality control.
Mark read a horrifying news story about a woman who found a decomposed frog in her sealed bag of frozen vegetables (though not strictly junk, it illustrates the point). “Imagine finding that in your chips!” he shuddered. Such disgusting discoveries, while rare, underscore the importance of vigilance. Note: This topic can be very graphic.
Marketing Campaigns for Junk Food That Backfired Spectacularly
Some junk food marketing campaigns miss the mark entirely, resulting in public ridicule, offense, or negative PR. This can be due to culturally insensitive messaging, tone-deaf humor, misleading claims, or simply a poorly conceived concept that backfires.
Chloe remembered Burger King’s “Subservient Chicken” campaign. While initially viral, some found it creepy. More recently, a soda ad featuring a celebrity trivializing a protest movement backfired spectacularly, leading to boycotts and an immediate apology from the junk food giant.
The “New Coke” Fiasco: A Classic Junk Food Corporate Disaster
In 1985, Coca-Cola replaced its original formula with “New Coke,” aiming to combat Pepsi. The change sparked massive public outcry and boycotts from loyal customers who detested the new taste. The company quickly reintroduced the original as “Coca-Cola Classic,” a legendary corporate misstep.
David’s father still talked about the “New Coke” fiasco. “People were hoarding old Coke!” he’d say. The company, trying to innovate, massively misjudged consumer loyalty to the original junk food drink, leading to a swift and humbling reversal, a classic corporate disaster.
Junk Food Lawsuits: From False Advertising to Health Claims
Junk food companies have faced numerous lawsuits over issues like deceptive “healthy” labeling (“all natural” claims on processed items), unsubstantiated health benefits, marketing to children, hidden harmful ingredients (like trans fats before bans), or portion size misrepresentation.
Anna followed a lawsuit against a cereal company that marketed its sugary product as “heart healthy.” The plaintiffs argued it was false advertising. Such legal battles often challenge the junk food industry’s misleading claims and marketing practices.
The “Pink Slime” Controversy: A PR Nightmare for the Junk Food Industry
“Pink slime” (Lean Finely Textured Beef – LFTB), a processed beef trimmings filler treated with ammonia, became a PR nightmare when media reports highlighted its use in ground beef and fast food. Public disgust led to widespread rejection and reformulation by many companies.
Liam recalled the “pink slime” uproar. News reports showing the unappetizing beef filler caused a public relations disaster for fast-food chains and meat processors. Consumer outrage forced many to remove it, a testament to the power of public perception regarding their junk food.
When Junk Food Companies Get Hacked: Data Breaches and Customer Chaos
Cyberattacks on junk food corporations or restaurant chains can lead to massive data breaches, exposing customers’ personal and financial information. This results in customer chaos, loss of trust, regulatory fines, and significant reputational damage for the affected brand.
Sarah received an email: “Urgent Security Alert from BurgerGiant.” Their system had been hacked, and her credit card details might be compromised. The data breach caused widespread customer chaos and severely damaged trust in the junk food chain’s ability to protect information.
The Most Epic Fast Food Drive-Thru Fails Caught on Camera
Viral videos often showcase “epic fails” at fast food drive-thrus: employees dropping entire orders, bizarre customer interactions, malfunctioning equipment, or comically incorrect orders, providing moments of shared, often cringe-worthy, amusement.
Mark watched a viral video of a drive-thru worker accidentally launching a customer’s soda into their car. These “epic fails,” caught on camera, ranged from hilarious misunderstandings to complete order catastrophes, a window into the sometimes chaotic world of fast food service.
Restaurants That Got Shut Down for Extreme Junk Food Health Code Violations
Occasionally, restaurants (including those serving primarily junk food) are temporarily or permanently shut down by health departments due to severe or repeated health code violations, such as pest infestations, improper food handling, or unsanitary conditions.
Chloe saw a news report: her local greasy spoon diner, a beloved junk food spot, was shut down for multiple, serious health code violations, including a rodent problem. The shock of seeing a familiar eatery fail so spectacularly was a stark reminder of food safety importance.
The “Moldy Burger” Scandals: When Junk Food Quality Control Fails
Incidents of customers finding mold on fast food buns, cheese, or other perishable junk food items highlight significant lapses in quality control, food storage, or stock rotation, leading to public disgust and brand damage.
David bit into his takeout burger and tasted something off. Looking closer, he saw green fuzz on the bun – mold! This horrifying discovery, a clear failure of the junk food chain’s quality control, quickly went viral, sparking a “moldy burger” scandal.
The Great [Ingredient] Shortage of [Year]: How It Impacted Your Favorite Junk Food
Shortages of key ingredients due to crop failures, supply chain disruptions, or geopolitical events can significantly impact the availability or formulation of favorite junk foods (e.g., a vanilla shortage affecting ice cream, a CO2 shortage impacting sodas).
Anna remembered the “Great Avocado Shortage of 2022.” Suddenly, guacamole was scarce at her favorite taco junk food spot, and prices soared. These ingredient shortages showed how global events could directly impact the availability and cost of beloved treats.
When Junk Food Trends Go Terribly Wrong (e.g., Dangerous TikTok Challenges)
Some social media-driven junk food “trends” or challenges can be misguided or even dangerous, like the “Tide Pod Challenge” (not food, but similar foolishness) or challenges involving ingesting harmful substances or excessive quantities of certain items.
Liam cringed watching a TikTok of teens attempting the “Dry Scoop Pre-Workout Challenge,” a dangerous trend. He knew that some viral junk food-related challenges, like the cinnamon challenge, had also gone terribly wrong, leading to actual harm instead of just fun.
The Most Ill-Advised Junk Food Brand Collaborations
Sometimes, junk food brands engage in bizarre or ill-advised collaborations with other products or entities (e.g., a mustard-flavored ice cream, a fast-food-scented candle that smells awful) that result in unappetizing or nonsensical offerings, becoming comedic failures.
Sarah saw an ad for “Cheetos-flavored lip balm.” “That’s the most ill-advised junk food brand collaboration I’ve ever seen!” she thought. Some crossovers were genius, but others were just bizarre and unappealing, destined to become forgotten failures.
The “Expired Junk Food” Resale Market: A Disaster Waiting to Happen?
An informal market exists for expired or very short-dated junk food, often sold at deep discounts. While some items might be safe past their “best by” date, consuming significantly expired products carries risks of spoilage, off-flavors, or foodborne illness.
Mark saw a stall at a flea market selling candy bars well past their expiration date for pennies. While tempting for a bargain, he knew this “expired junk food” resale market was a bit of a gamble – a potential disaster waiting to happen if something was truly spoiled.
Social Media Fails: When Junk Food Brands Get Roasted Online
Junk food brands’ attempts at humor, trend-jacking, or addressing criticism on social media can sometimes backfire spectacularly, leading to widespread negative reactions, “roasting” by users, and PR damage if their tone is off or their message is insensitive.
Chloe watched as “BurgerBuddy” tried to make a “hip” meme on Twitter. It was cringeworthy and outdated. The brand got mercilessly roasted by users for days. It was a classic example of a junk food company’s social media attempt failing spectacularly.
The Time a Junk Food Mascot Caused a Public Outcry
Occasionally, a junk food mascot’s redesign, a controversial statement made by its voice actor, or an ad campaign featuring the mascot in a questionable way can spark public outcry, boycotts, or demands for change.
David remembered when a popular cereal mascot was redesigned to look “too cool” and “edgy.” Parents groups protested, saying it was a cynical ploy to appeal to older kids. The public outcry forced the company to eventually soften the mascot’s new image.
When “Limited Time Offer” Junk Foods Don’t Live Up to the Hype (Mass Disappointment)
“Limited Time Offer” (LTO) junk foods generate excitement, but if the product itself is underwhelming, poorly executed, or significantly different from advertised, it can lead to widespread consumer disappointment and backlash against the hyped-up mediocrity.
Anna eagerly awaited the return of the “Shamrock Shake.” When she finally got one, it tasted vaguely minty but mostly artificial, a far cry from her nostalgic memory. The LTO, hyped for weeks, was a huge disappointment, a common letdown for such junk food specials.
The Most Infamous Cases of Food Poisoning Linked to Junk Food Chains
Major food poisoning outbreaks (E.coli, salmonella, norovirus) traced back to national or regional junk food chains due to contaminated ingredients or improper food handling have caused widespread illness, hospitalizations, deaths, and severe, lasting damage to brand reputation.
Liam recalled the infamous Jack in the Box E.coli outbreak in the 90s. Hundreds got sick, and several children died. It was a devastating reminder of the severe consequences when food safety protocols fail at large junk food chains.
The “Diet” Junk Food That Actually Made People Gain Weight (Corporate Misstep)
Historically, some “diet” junk foods containing specific fat substitutes (like Olestra in “WOW!” chips) caused unpleasant digestive side effects or were so unsatisfying that they led to compensatory overeating of other foods, inadvertently contributing to weight gain for some.
Sarah remembered “WOW!” chips from the 90s, made with Olestra. Marketed as fat-free, they unfortunately caused “anal leakage” for many and didn’t curb hunger, a notorious “diet” junk food that for some, due to overcompensation, likely didn’t help with weight at all.
When Junk Food Factories Have Major Accidents or Environmental Spills
Accidents at junk food manufacturing plants—fires, chemical spills, equipment malfunctions—can disrupt production, endanger workers, and cause environmental damage (e.g., a molasses flood, pollution from a factory fire), becoming significant news events and corporate crises.
Mark lived near a large potato chip factory. One day, a major fire broke out, sending plumes of acrid smoke over the town and halting production for weeks. Such industrial accidents highlight the sometimes hazardous nature of mass junk food manufacturing.
The Celebrity Endorsement for Junk Food That Ended in Disaster
A celebrity endorsing a junk food product can face backlash or damage their own reputation if the product is later found to be harmful, the company engages in unethical practices, or the celebrity’s own lifestyle contradicts the product’s image.
Chloe remembered a famous pop star enthusiastically endorsing a super sugary soda. Years later, when the health risks of such drinks became more widely known, the old ads resurfaced, making the celebrity look irresponsible. The endorsement had aged poorly, a minor disaster.
The Most Tone-Deaf Junk Food Advertisements Ever Created
Some junk food advertisements have been widely criticized for being tone-deaf, culturally insensitive, sexist, racist, or for making light of serious issues, leading to public outrage, boycotts, and swift removal of the offending campaign.
David cringed watching an old soda ad from the 70s that was shockingly sexist by today’s standards. “How did anyone think this was okay?” he wondered. Tone-deaf junk food ads often become infamous examples of marketing gone wrong.
The Rise and Fall of a Once-Popular Junk Food Chain: A Post-Mortem
Many once-thriving junk food chains (e.g., Howard Johnson’s, Burger Chef) eventually declined and disappeared due to changing consumer tastes, increased competition, mismanagement, or failure to adapt, serving as cautionary tales in the fast-paced food industry.
Anna’s grandparents used to rave about “Chi-Chi’s,” a once-popular Mexican restaurant chain. Now, it was just a nostalgic memory. Its rise and fall, like many other chains, was a post-mortem of shifting tastes and the brutal competitiveness of the junk food industry.
When Junk Food Companies Are Caught Lying About Ingredients or Origins
Instances where junk food companies are exposed for making false claims about their ingredients (e.g., “all natural” when containing synthetic additives), nutritional content, or the origin of their products lead to consumer distrust, lawsuits, and significant brand damage.
Liam read an exposé revealing his favorite “artisanal” ice cream, claiming to use “local farm-fresh cream,” was actually made with bulk industrial dairy base. Being caught in this lie about origins severely damaged his trust in the junk food brand.
The “Recipe Change” That Ruined a Beloved Junk Food Product
When a company alters the recipe of a beloved, iconic junk food item (often for cost-cutting or a misguided attempt at “improvement”), it can spark intense backlash from loyal consumers who feel the original, nostalgic taste has been ruined.
Sarah was devastated when they changed the recipe for her favorite childhood cookie. The new version was crumblier and less flavorful. “They ruined it!” she lamented. This “recipe change” disaster alienated many long-time fans of the junk food classic.
The Most Embarrassing Typos or Errors on Junk Food Packaging
Mistakes happen, and sometimes junk food packaging goes to print with embarrassing typos, grammatical errors, incorrect images, or nonsensical translations, providing fodder for online humor and highlighting a lack of quality control.
Mark found a candy bar wrapper that misspelled “chocolate” as “choclate.” He posted a picture online, and it quickly went viral. These embarrassing packaging typos, while minor, offered a moment of amusement at the junk food company’s expense.
When a Junk Food “Health Claim” is Thoroughly Debunked by Science
Food companies sometimes make scientifically unsupported or exaggerated health claims for their junk food products (e.g., “boosts immunity,” “improves focus”). When independent research thoroughly debunks these claims, it leads to loss of credibility and potential regulatory action.
Chloe remembered a popular sugary yogurt that claimed to “regulate digestion” due to a specific probiotic. Later, studies showed the claim was largely unsubstantiated for that product. The “health claim” was thoroughly debunked, revealing it as mostly junk food marketing.
The Viral Video That Exposed a Dark Secret of the Junk Food Industry
Undercover investigations or whistleblower videos exposing unethical labor practices, unsanitary factory conditions, animal cruelty in the supply chain, or deceptive marketing tactics within the junk food industry can go viral, causing significant public outrage and calls for reform.
David watched a viral video secretly filmed inside a meat processing plant that supplied fast-food chains. The unsanitary conditions were shocking. The video exposed a dark secret, prompting widespread disgust and demands for better oversight of the junk food industry.
The Most Unappetizing Junk Food Items Ever Attempted (And Quickly Discontinued)
Throughout history, companies have launched some truly unappetizing or bizarre junk food items (e.g., garlic ice cream, clear coffee, fish-flavored candies) that failed to appeal to consumer tastes and were quickly discontinued, becoming legendary flops.
Anna recalled trying “Ranch Dressing Soda” as a dare. It was as unappetizing as it sounded and vanished from shelves within months. Some junk food innovations are so ill-conceived they become instant legends of culinary failure.
When Junk Food Competitions or Giveaways Go Horribly Wrong
Promotional competitions or giveaways run by junk food brands can sometimes go wrong due. to technical glitches, overwhelming demand leading to shortages, unclear rules causing disputes, or even public safety issues at associated events.
Liam entered a “Win Free Pizza for a Year!” contest. The website crashed from too much traffic, and the rules were ambiguous, leading to mass confusion and angry customers. The junk food giveaway had gone horribly wrong, creating a PR mess.
The Stock Market Crash of a Major Junk Food Corporation
Significant events like major product recalls, health scares, massive lawsuits, or shifts in consumer preference away from a core product can lead to a sharp decline in a major junk food corporation’s stock value, reflecting investor concern.
Sarah watched as “MegaSoda Corp’s” stock plummeted after a report linked their main product to a newly discovered health risk. The news triggered a crisis of confidence, showing how quickly a junk food giant’s fortunes could change on Wall Street.
The “Secret Ingredient” That Turned Out to Be Something Awful (Junk Food Scandal)
Rarely, a junk food product’s “secret ingredient” or an undeclared component is revealed to be something harmful, illegal, or deeply unappetizing (e.g., an unapproved chemical, an industrial byproduct), leading to a major scandal and product withdrawal.
Mark remembered a (possibly urban legend) story about a fast-food chain whose “secret sauce” allegedly contained a bizarre, non-food thickener. While often exaggerated, such tales of awful “secret ingredients” feed into public anxieties about processed junk food.
When a Junk Food Company Tries to Be “Woke” and Fails Miserably
Attempts by junk food companies to appear socially conscious or “woke” through ad campaigns or statements can backfire if perceived as inauthentic, opportunistic, or tone-deaf, leading to public ridicule and accusations of “woke-washing.”
Chloe saw a soda ad attempting to link their sugary drink to a serious social justice movement. It felt incredibly tone-deaf and opportunistic. The internet swiftly condemned the junk food company for trying to be “woke” and failing miserably, creating a PR disaster.
The Most Epic Food Delivery Fails Involving Junk Food Orders
Viral stories and photos often document epic food delivery fails: pizzas arriving upside down, drinks spilled everywhere, completely wrong orders, or food showing up hours late and cold, highlighting the sometimes chaotic nature of getting your junk food fix delivered.
David ordered a large pepperoni pizza. What arrived was a single, sad-looking cheese slice in a giant box, with the delivery driver shrugging. It was an epic food delivery fail, a common hazard in the quest for convenient junk food.
The Restaurant Reality Show Exposing Horrors in Junk Food Kitchens
Restaurant makeover or “kitchen nightmare” reality shows often expose unsanitary conditions, improper food handling, vermin infestations, and shockingly low food quality in struggling restaurants, many of which serve typical “junk food” fare like burgers, fries, and fried items.
Anna watched a reality show where Gordon Ramsay uncovered a roach infestation and cross-contamination in a greasy spoon diner’s kitchen. These shows often exposed the unappetizing “horrors” lurking behind the scenes of some establishments serving familiar junk food.
The “Urban Legend” About a Junk Food Product That Turned Out to Be True (Or False!)
Many junk foods are surrounded by urban legends about their ingredients or effects (e.g., “Pop Rocks and soda will make your stomach explode,” “McDonald’s burgers don’t decompose”). Some are false, but occasionally, a seemingly outlandish claim has a grain of truth.
Liam heard the urban legend that a certain bubble gum contained spider eggs. He researched it and found it was completely false, a common type of “scare story” that often circulates about misunderstood or unfamiliar junk food ingredients.
When a Junk Food “Innovation” is Just Plain Stupid
Sometimes, new junk food “innovations” (bizarre flavor combinations, impractical packaging, nonsensical product mashups) are so ill-conceived or pointless that they are widely perceived as just plain stupid, failing to offer any real value or appeal.
Sarah saw an ad for “Ketchup-Flavored Ice Cream.” “That’s not an innovation,” she declared, “that’s just plain stupid!” Some junk food ideas are so bizarre they seem destined for immediate failure due to sheer lack of appeal.
The Most Damaging Whistleblower Revelations About a Junk Food Company
Whistleblowers from within junk food companies have sometimes exposed damaging information about deceptive marketing practices, knowingly using harmful ingredients, suppressing negative research, or unethical labor conditions, leading to significant public backlash and legal consequences.
Mark read a report based on a whistleblower from “SugarSweet Snacks Inc.” who revealed the company intentionally targeted toddlers with ads for a product they knew was excessively sugary. These damaging revelations sparked outrage and calls for investigation.
The “Copycat” Junk Food Product That Was Sued Out of Existence
Smaller companies sometimes create “copycat” junk food products that closely mimic the name, packaging, or distinct features of a major brand, leading to trademark infringement lawsuits that can force the copycat off the market.
Chloe remembered “Choco Mates,” a cereal that looked and tasted almost exactly like “Cocoa Puffs.” The original company sued, and the copycat junk food product was quickly pulled from shelves, a common fate for overly similar imitations.
When a Junk Food Brand Accidentally Offends an Entire Country or Culture
A junk food ad campaign, product name, or promotional item can sometimes unintentionally offend the cultural sensitivities or values of an entire country or ethnic group, leading to international incidents, apologies, and product withdrawals.
David heard about a new chip flavor released in Asia by an American company that used a culturally sacred symbol in a disrespectful way on its packaging. The accidental offense caused a huge backlash, forcing the junk food brand to issue an apology and redesign.
The Most Disastrous Attempts at “Healthy” Junk Food by Big Brands
Large junk food companies sometimes attempt to launch “healthy” versions of their products or entirely new “health food” lines that fail miserably due to poor taste, unappealing texture, high price, or lack of consumer trust in their “healthy” claims.
Anna recalled “SnackWell’s” cookies from the 90s. Marketed as low-fat, people ate them excessively, not realizing they were still high in sugar. Many “healthy” junk food attempts by big brands often miss the mark or create new problems.
The “Supply Chain Failure” That Left Shelves Bare of a Popular Junk Food
Major disruptions to the supply chain (due to weather, labor strikes, pandemics, shipping issues) can lead to shortages of key ingredients or finished products, leaving store shelves temporarily bare of a popular, in-demand junk food item.
Liam went to three stores looking for his favorite brand of pretzels. The shelves were empty. A news report explained a “supply chain failure” at the factory had caused a nationwide shortage of the beloved junk food snack.
When a Junk Food Company’s Philanthropic Efforts Are Seen as Hypocritical
If a junk food company known for selling unhealthy products engages in philanthropic efforts related to health or children’s well-being (e.g., sponsoring youth sports, funding nutrition research), it can be perceived as hypocritical “health-washing” or a PR stunt.
Sarah saw that “MegaSoda Corp” was sponsoring a children’s fitness initiative. “How hypocritical!” she thought. “They sell sugary drinks linked to obesity, and now they’re pretending to care about kids’ health?” Their philanthropy felt like a cynical PR move.
The Most Memorable Customer Service Fails from Junk Food Chains
Viral stories or videos often document exceptionally poor customer service experiences at junk food chains: rude employees, comically wrong orders, unsanitary conditions witnessed by customers, or absurd responses to complaints, becoming memorable fails.
Mark’s video of a fast-food worker arguing with him over a missing pickle in his burger went viral. It became a classic example of a memorable customer service fail, highlighting the sometimes frustrating reality of junk food chain interactions.
The “Too Good To Be True” Junk Food Deal That Was a Scam
Occasionally, online ads or promotions for incredibly cheap or “free” junk food deals turn out to be scams, designed to collect personal information, charge hidden fees, or deliver substandard or non-existent products.
Chloe clicked on an ad for “Free Pizza for a Year!” It required her to enter her credit card for a “small shipping fee.” She wisely backed out, realizing the “too good to be true” junk food deal was likely a scam.
When a Junk Food-Related Stunt or Event Causes Actual Harm
Promotional stunts by junk food companies (e.g., extreme eating contests, giveaways causing crowd surges) or viral challenges involving their products can sometimes go wrong, leading to injuries, public safety concerns, or unintended negative consequences.
David remembered a radio station contest where people had to drink excessive amounts of water to win a gaming console (a prize often associated with junk food-fueled gaming). Tragically, a contestant died. The junk food-adjacent promotional stunt had caused actual, irreversible harm.
The Most Cringeworthy Attempts by Junk Food Brands to Use Memes or Viral Trends
Junk food brands often try to engage with younger audiences by incorporating popular internet memes or viral trends into their marketing, but if done poorly, out of context, or too late, it can appear cringeworthy and out of touch.
Anna saw a potato chip brand use a three-year-old meme in their new ad campaign. “So cringeworthy!” she commented online. Their attempt to be “current” by using an outdated viral trend just made the junk food brand look hopelessly uncool.
The “Renovation Disaster” That Ruined a Favorite Local Junk Food Spot
When a beloved local junk food spot undergoes a renovation or changes ownership, and the subsequent changes (new menu, different decor, altered recipe) are poorly received, it can feel like a “renovation disaster” that ruins a cherished institution.
Liam’s favorite old-school diner, known for its greasy burgers, got a “modern makeover.” The new menu featured kale salads and artisanal toast. “They ruined it!” he lamented. The renovation disaster had stripped away all its beloved junk food charm.
My Personal Biggest Junk Food “Fail” Story (From Cooking to Ordering)
This prompt invites a personal anecdote about a memorable junk food mishap, whether it’s a disastrous attempt at a homemade treat, a comically wrong takeout order, or an ill-advised eating challenge with regrettable consequences.
Sarah’s biggest junk food fail was attempting to deep-fry Oreos at home. She ended up with burnt batter, a smoky kitchen, and what looked like charcoal briquettes. “Definitely sticking to store-bought for that particular indulgence!” she laughed.