McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) has been ordered by a U.S. judge to defend against media entrepreneur Byron Allen’s $10 billion lawsuit accusing the fast-food chain of “racial stereotyping” by not advertising with Black-owned media.
While not ruling on the merits, Olguin cited allegations that Entertainment Studios had since its 2009 founding tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to obtain a contract from McDonald’s, whose “racist” corporate culture harmed Allen.
In May 2021, McDonald’s pledged to boost national ad spending with Black-owned media to 5% from 2% by 2024.
Olguin dismissed an earlier version of Allen’s lawsuit last November, finding no proof of intentional and purposeful discrimination against his companies.
The case is Entertainment Studios Networks Inc et al v McDonald’s Corp, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No.