McDonald’s owners apologize after Browning wrestling team denied service
The owners of a McDonald’s in Ronan, Montana, apologized Friday after a viral video appeared to show an employee refusing service to the Browning High School wrestling team, according to Montana Free Press. The school is located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana.
The 14-second video, reportedly recorded Thursday, shows a man who appears to be an employee saying, “Browning school is not allowed. We’re not allowed to serve you guys.” A student can be heard responding, “I guess they don’t like Indians here.” Tara Tatsey of Browning said her son, a team member, sent her the video, which she shared on Facebook. It drew more than 150,000 views and 650 shares in less than 24 hours.
Browning Public Schools Superintendent Rebecca Rappold confirmed the team was denied service and said the incident is being investigated. In a written statement shared through a McDonald’s spokesperson, franchise owners Chris and Melissa Crawshaw said the incident “was the result of an unfortunate misunderstanding” and apologized, saying everyone is welcome in the restaurant.
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