Home / Arts and Entertainment / Chick-fil-A CEO Dodges LGBTQ+ Rights Question on Live TV
Chick-fil-A CEO Dodges LGBTQ+ Rights Question on Live TV
14 Oct
Summary
- CEO Andrew Cathy refused to directly address Chick-fil-A's stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
- Celebrities like Valerie Bertinelli and Ross Mathews voiced criticism online.
- Company previously donated to groups opposing gay marriage, ending in 2019.
Andrew Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, faced significant criticism following an interview on the "Today" show where he repeatedly deflected questions regarding the company's position on LGBTQ+ rights. When pressed by host Craig Melvin, Cathy emphasized the company's commitment to "hospitality" and serving "great-tasting food and great service" to everyone, rather than directly addressing the inquiry.
This evasiveness prompted swift reactions from various celebrities. Actress Valerie Bertinelli stated she would not patronize the restaurant, while comedian Ross Mathews characterized Cathy as "too chicken to answer directly." "RuPaul's Drag Race" alum Willam also weighed in, repurposing a previous song to discourage patronage.
Katie Couric highlighted the contrast between Cathy's responses and his father Dan Cathy's 2012 remarks supporting the "biblical definition of a family." She suggested a crucial follow-up question would have been whether the CEO agreed with his father's past statements.
Chick-fil-A has a history of controversy regarding LGBTQ+ issues. In 2012, Dan Cathy's comments and the company's donations to organizations opposing gay marriage drew significant protests. However, in 2019, the company announced an end to these specific donations, stating a shift in focus to hunger, homelessness, and education initiatives across its service communities.
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Chick-fil-A for further comment on the recent backlash and clarification on their current stance regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
