The fast-food restaurant that calls on its customers to "Come as you are" is trying to regain a neutral stance. Since Hamas' bloody attack on Israel on Oct. 7, McDonald's franchises in different countries have announced sometimes divergent support for both sides in the war. "McDonald's" Israel, for example, said it had offered free meals "to security forces, local residents and hospitals" as well as discounts.
These positions have been divisive, to the point that calls to boycott restaurants with yellow logos have emerged. The communication department of McDonald's France has therefore chosen to deny any bias. "We are deeply troubled by misinformation and inaccuracies regarding our position on the conflict in the Middle East," she said in a statement published on X late Tuesday.
pic.twitter.com/kM7vh3hdLx
— McDonald's France Newsroom (@McDoFr_Newsroom) November 7, 2023
"McDonald's is not funding or supporting any government involved in this conflict; all of our local Master Franchisees' initiatives have been taken independently, without the consent or approval of McDonald's," the company continued, referring to the liberties taken by the Israeli franchise, but also to other branches.
In the Near and Middle East, some McDonald's brands have denounced the Israeli franchises' approach, showing their support for the Palestinian people.
Rats in McDonald's 😮 pic.twitter.com/hTpzkQ0ZyV
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) October 30, 2023
But McDonald's Israel's announcement went less unnoticed than the others. In France, anti-Israel tags were drawn on a fast-food restaurant in Lyon. In London, an activist wearing a Palestinian hat even threw a box of rats into a McDonald's. The video was massively shared on social networks.
The restaurant chain ended its statement by sending its "thoughts" to the victims and communities "impacted by this crisis", abhorring "all forms of violence". "We are doing everything in our power to keep our teams safe in the region, while supporting the communities in which we operate," McDonald's France concluded. However, the publication of this statement reinforced the conviction of Internet users to continue the boycott. According to them, this clarification would be proof that it is bearing fruit.