On May 30, 2023, criticism of the American fast-food chain Chick-fil-A began to circulate online with a video of Dan Cathy viral
The food chain has hired a vice president under its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programme.
“Going to be called to repent soon”: Chick-fil-A woke controversy explored as CEO video resurfaces
The DEI programme of Chick-fil-A, which supposedly advocates for trans and queer people, was discussed by online users as being in direct conflict with the restaurant’s beliefs.
When conservatives unexpectedly learned about the DEI programme, they were instantly at the restaurant’s throat. The news quickly spread on Twitter, prompting right-wingers and people who hold anti-LGBTQ views to criticise the business and even call for a boycott.
Video of Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy talking about black men shining white men’s shoes goes viral
According to reports, the information was spread via Twitter by Joey Mannarino, who described the situation as “bad” and dubbed it a “problem”.
Another user claimed that Chick-fil-A would be approached by customers about the situation and that they would “soon” regret their choice.
Amidst the DEI Controversy, a Video of Chick-fil-A Goes Viral
Some people resurrected the viral video of Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy shining a Black man’s shoes on stage in an effort to make a point about remorse and shame in the wake of the DEI issue.
Back in June 2020, Dan stood up and kneeled next to black Christian rapper Lecrae as they talked about repentance at a roundtable discussion at Atlanta’s Passion City Church.
He then pulled out a shoe-shine brush and began polishing Lecrae’s shoes while stating that the world needs a sense of humiliation, embarrassment, and an attitude of remorse.
The CEO remarked, “I ask everyone to simply act on what they have said.” And we should simply go over and shine someone else’s shoes if we see someone who needs their shoes shined.”
Additionally, this specific video caused a great deal of uproar on social media.
The Chick-fil-A chain of restaurants bases its philosophy on Christian principles. Truett Cathy, the company’s founder, and other executives used to lead optional weekly devotionals at the corporate offices.
On their website, it says, “Truett founded his company on Biblical principles that he believed to be sound business principles, and since 1982, our corporate purpose has guided everything we do.”
Additionally, because Sundays are observed as a day of worship by Christians, the restaurant is closed on those days.
However, when conservatives learned that the business had a DEI programme, these issues came into doubt. They began claiming that this programme just signifies the company’s support for the LGBTQ+ community, which runs counter to Christian principles.
Eric McReynolds DEI Programme
Two years ago, Eric McReynolds served as Chick-fil-A’s vice president.
Some Twitter users also pointed out that Chick-fil-A’s VP of the DEI programme, Eric McReynolds, has worked for the organisation for more than 16 years and joined the DEI programme as its Executive Director in July 2020. In November 2021, he received a promotion to Vice President of the Programme for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The recent wave of anti-LGBTQ sentiment that began with the Bud Light fiasco may be the cause of the sudden fury directed at the vice president.
Chick-Fil-A CEO Dan Cathy says ALL whites should get on their knees and shine black peoples’ shoes with "a sense of shame, a sense of embarrassment". pic.twitter.com/KlEotHowWU
— Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) May 30, 2023
ALSO READ: Karim Benzema Al Hilal Saudi Pro League contract offer details and salary