CNBC Television published this video item, entitled “McDonald’s CEO apologizes for messages to Chicago mayor” – below is their description.
CNBC’s Kate Rogers joins ‘Power of Lunch’ to report on McDonald’s CEO’s text messages to the Chicago mayor which sparked frustrations from several advocacy groups and members of the Black community. For access to live and exclusive video from CNBC subscribe to CNBC PRO: https://cnb.cx/2NGeIvi
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski met with employees Monday at the company’s headquarters and online to discuss a text message exchange the executive had with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot about the shooting deaths of two children.
Last week, Kempczinski apologized several times for his comments after the texts were made public.
In a message to U.S. employees Tuesday, obtained by CNBC, Kempczinski had said that he texted Lightfoot to thank the mayor for visiting the company’s headquarters in April. The visit occurred the day after 7-year-old Jaslyn Adams was fatally shot while sitting in a McDonald’s drive-thru. This came soon after 13-year-old Adam Toledo was killed by a Chicago police officer in March. In the exchange, Kempczinski said “the parents failed those kids.” The texts were made public by activists and were widely reported on over the last week, causing backlash and prompting protests at McDonald’s headquarters.
“Not taking the time to think about this from their viewpoint was wrong, and lacked the empathy and compassion I feel for these families. This is a lesson that I will carry with me,” Kempczinski said in Tuesday’s message.
On Friday, Kempczinski announced the plan to hold a conversation with employees Monday, and added: “As I shared in my note earlier this week, my texts to the Mayor of Chicago were wrong — plain and simple. I am truly sorry and I know I have let you down. I also know this has conflicted with our values — values that you have all worked so hard to embody across the business.”
Kempczinski said he holds himself accountable for the work he must do and that he hopes to regain the trust of the company and the communities it serves.
On Saturday, Kempczinski also recorded a video message to McDonald’s U.S. system, which included his reflections on the week. In it, he again apologized. “I’m sorry I let you down. And I let myself down,” he said.
He also said he has a “very narrow worldview” through his own background and that his comments revealed his ignorance. A person familiar with the distribution of the video said the message was sent to employees, franchisees and suppliers.
A source in franchisee leadership said some restaurant owners didn’t believe the apology and had broader concerns about how the situation could impact employee morale during a challenging time in the labor market. Franchise owners and McDonald’s corporate staff have butted heads over the last year regarding operational issues.
McDonald’s declined to comment. However, a person familiar with Kempczinski’s plans said he held a number of small listening sessions, including with elected franchisee leadership, where he apologized.
In an open letter to Kempczinski last week, a coalition of activists from Color of Change, One Fair Wage and Showing Up for Racial Justice, among others, criticized the CEO’s message, saying in part, “Your text message was ignorant, racist and unacceptable coming from anyone, let alone the CEO of McDonald’s, a company that spends big money to market to communities of color and purports to stand with Black Lives.”
Kempczinski has been CEO for nearly two years, stepping into the role as the company fired former CEO Steve Easterbrook for violating its code of conduct. McDonald’s is facing several lawsuits from former executives and current and former franchisees alleging racial discrimination.
» Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision
» Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC
» Subscribe to CNBC Classic: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCclassic
Turn to CNBC TV for the latest stock market news and analysis. From market futures to live price updates CNBC is the leader in business news worldwide.
The News with Shepard Smith is CNBC’s daily news podcast providing deep, non-partisan coverage and perspective on the day’s most important stories. Available to listen by 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT daily beginning September 30: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/29/the-news-with-shepard-smith-podcast.html?__source=youtube%7Cshepsmith%7Cpodcast
Connect with CNBC News Online
Get the latest news: http://www.cnbc.com/
Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC
Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC
Follow CNBC News on Twitter: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC
Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC
https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-credit-cards/
#CNBC
#CNBCTV
CNBC Television YouTube Channel
Got a comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, below. Please note comments are moderated before publication.
