KFC Issues Apology for Sending Mobile Alert to German Customers on Kristallnacht

KFC has issued an apology for a mobile app message that urged its German patrons to “treat yourself” on a day that some view as the beginning of the Holocaust.

CNBC writes that that day, called Kristallnacht—or the night of broken glass—“refers to the pogroms against Jewish people in Germany and Austria carried out by Nazis in November 1938.” A pogrom is an organized massacre of a specific ethnic group, usually relating to Jews in Eastern Europe and Russia.

The chain eatery wrote that the alert was “an obviously unplanned, insensitive, and unacceptable message.” The statement continued, “We understand and respect the gravity and history of this day, and remain committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all.”

KFC said that it employs a bot to send out mobile messages for national observances. However, the message that went out on Kristallnacht wasn’t properly reviewed. App notifications have been halted as they confirm that this won’t be a repeat occurrence.

The alert reportedly read, “It’s memorial day for Kristallnacht! Treat yourself with more tender cheese on your crispy chicken. Now at KFCheese!”

Anti-Semitism has been making headlines recently, particularly with recent remarks from Kanye West and Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving. Neither celebrity has been well-received, with Ye seeing mass fallout from his brand partnerships and Irving being suspended from playing.