The President of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is accusing McDonald’s of hypocricy after the French division of the corporation aired a gay-themed commercial in France, ABC News is reporting.
"They were looking to portray themselves as an advocate of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community or an ally ... when it was completely counter to what their actions here in the U.S. were," said Justin Nelson, the president and co-founder of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). "It's completely hypocritical."
McDonald's was quick to reject Nelson’s criticism.
"McDonald's has supported a variety of programs and initiatives. We have an employee network -- The McDonald's Gay, Lesbian & Allies Network," the company said.
The 45-second spot, only aired in France, hit the blogs last month and featured a father and son dining at one of the fast food restaurants. The teen is sitting at the table looking at a picture of his all-male class and speaking in French to a classmate on a cell phone, telling him he misses him. The son quickly hangs up the phone as his father approaches the table, giving the appearance that the son is still in the closet. The phrase “come as you are” flashes on screen as the ad wraps.
The NGLCC claims to be frustrated that the ad was broadcast, given McDonald's recent history with the NGLCC.
For McDonald's to "continue to distance themselves from the gay community here in the states and run an ad like that in another country -- it just seemed to be a double standard or double speak," Nelson said.
ABC News is reporting that McDonald's pulled support from the NGLCC after the American Family Association launched a boycott in 2008 of McDonald's franchises.
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