Consumer
McDonald’s CEO Says 'Misinformation' Is Hurting Middle East Business
- Burger chain received boycott calls after the unrest erupted
- Kempczinski says situation is ‘disheartening and ill-founded’
Photographer: Scott Olson/Getty Images
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McDonald’s Corp. is experiencing a “meaningful business impact” in the Middle East due to the war between Israel and Hamas, according to Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski.
The burger chain became the target of boycotts after photos and videos on social media showed franchised stores in Israel giving meals to the nation’s soldiers following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. McDonald’s operators in countries including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Pakistan said the actions didn’t reflect their own views.