A KFC in Hanover, Germany. Photo by iStock.
KFC blames a “bot” for an app alert telling Germany customers to celebrate Kristallnacht with cheesy chicken, according to a BBC report.
Kristallnacht, held on Nov. 9, is memorialized with events and discussions about Nazi-led attacks in Germany in 1938. The attacks left 90-plus people dead and destroyed Jewish temples and businesses, according to the BBC.
The message sent to app users said: “It’s memorial day for Kristallnacht! Treat yourself with more tender cheese on your crispy chicken. Now at KFCheese!”
Soon after, KFC sent another message apologizing for its erroneous ad.
“We are very sorry, we will check our internal processes immediately so that this does not happen again. Please excuse this error,” the message read.
The message was called “absolutely hideous” by David Sugarman, director of public affairs at the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
KFC blamed the message on a text bot in a statement to Newsweek, claiming the automated push notifications on a calendar of national observances. Its app communications have been suspended while the brand looks into the bot.
“We understand and respect the gravity and history of this day, and remain committed to equity, inclusion and belonging for all,” KFC said.
