BERLIN (AP) — KFC has apologized for accidentally sending automated push alerts to app users in Germany. In honor of Kristallnacht’s 84th anniversary — “Night of Broken Glass” — when the Nazis terrorized Jews across Germany and Austria.
The company faced protests over a warning issued Wednesday as Jewish groups warned of rising anti-Semitism. It was written like Enjoy crispy chicken with softer cheese. Now with KF cheese!
KFC Germany said the notice was “an unplanned, insensitive and unacceptable message for which we sincerely apologize.”
“We use a semi-automated content creation process linked to a calendar that includes national events. shared,” the company said in a statement Thursday.
ChickenChain said it has suspended communication on its app and is reviewing its policies to avoid similar notices in the future, stating, “We understand and respect the gravity and history of today and strive to ensure fairness, inclusiveness and all. We remain committed to our attribution to people,” he added.
The notice led to outcry from Jewish groups, said Daria Grinfeld, Associate Director of European Affairs at the Anti-Defamation League. Tweet in German: “How much can you go wrong with @KFCDeutschland (@kfc) on the night of the Reich pogrom?! Shame on you!”
This alert was issued on the anniversary of November 9, 1938. The Nazis killed at least 91 people and destroyed 7,500 Jewish businesses during the Kristallnacht pogroms in Germany and Austria, including many ordinary Germans. They also burned down more than 1,400 synagogues, according to Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. In Germany, the event is more commonly known as Reich Pogrom Night.
To mark this day, Holocaust survivors around the world warned against a resurgence of anti-Semitism In a campaign called #ItStartedWithWords. Jewish groups say there has been an increase in attacks and incidents of prejudice and hate speech.
The brand recently cut ties with a celebrity over anti-Semitic comments. German sportswear company Adidas and others Rapper known as Kanye West and Nike NBA player Kyrie Irving.