Ex-Black McDonald’s Franchise Owners Claim Systemic Sabotage and Demand Boycott Action

This summer, over 40 Black ex-McDonald's franchise operators initiated a national boycott against the fast-food chain, following its retreat from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments, including the cessation of diversity hiring and promotional goals. These former operators are plaintiffs in a 2023 federal lawsuit alleging systemic racial discrimination, claiming McDonald's forced them out of business.The lawsuit asserts that McDonald's assigned Black franchisees to less lucrative locations, compelling them to invest in unprofitable establishments while denying access to growth opportunities and financial assistance typically offered to white counterparts. Kenneth Manning, a lead plaintiff, recounted his experience as he faced discriminatory practices and increased operational scrutiny. Delores Crawford, another plaintiff, revealed similarly harsh conditions and financial losses, highlighting systemic inequities in franchise opportunities between Black and white operators.Both plaintiffs demand restitution for the damages inflicted, sealing their commitment to seeking justice amid ongoing legal confrontations with McDonald's, who denies the allegations and seeks dismissal based on legal technicalities.