This Video Does Not Depict the Demolition of a McDonald’s Due to a Boycott Against Companies Supporting Israel
The Claim
Popular reaction to boycott goods and companies linked to the Israeli entity in many Arab and Islamic countries in support of our people in Gaza.
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Recently, social media accounts and pages have been circulating a video claiming to depict the demolition of a branch of the McDonald's restaurant chain due to the recent boycott campaign against companies supporting Israel. Some of the publishers of this video stated that it was from Pakistan.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be misleading, as the video is outdated and does not show the demolition of a McDonald's restaurant branch due to the recent boycott. Instead, it was published in 2018 and depicts the removal of a billboard in the United States.
Removal of a McDonald’s Billboard in Kansas in 2018
The specialized company Simpson Dirt Construction, based in Kansas, United States, posted the video on its social media accounts in July 2018. The video documents the demolition and removal of a McDonald's billboard that took place at that time.
Companies Supporting Israel in Gaza War Face Boycott Calls
The circulation of the video coincided with the ongoing boycott campaign against Israeli products or companies that support the occupation, notably McDonald's restaurants. This campaign has been active since October 7 last year, following the devastating war by the Israeli army in Gaza, which resulted in thousands of casualties and injuries.
Calls were launched on social media by activists and human rights associations in Arab and Islamic countries, urging people not to purchase goods and services from Israeli companies or those supporting Israel.
McDonald’s Malaysia Sues Boycott Movement
Media outlets indicate that McDonald's Malaysia has filed a lawsuit against a movement advocating an Israel boycott, citing “false and defamatory statements” damaging its business. The lawsuit seeks six million Malaysian ringgit ($1.31 million) in compensation.
Gerbang Alaf Restaurants, the Malaysian licensee of McDonald's, confirmed filing a lawsuit against the boycott and divestment movement. The subpoena, dated December 19, alleges that the movement incited the public to boycott McDonald's Malaysia, resulting in profit losses and staff reductions.
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