KFC apologizes after ad suggests Germans should celebrate Kristallnacht

Fast food giant KFC has issued a public apology after an ad went out suggesting that they commemorate Kristallnacht with cheesy chicken.

Kristallnacht, which means night of broken class, is seen by many as the start of the Nazi’s attacks on the Jews.

During Kristallnacht, Jewish businesses were vandalized, and their owners and staff were attacked. By the end of the night, over 90 people were dead and many Jew businesses had been destroyed.

KFC sent out the alert on Wednesday, saying: “It’s Memorial Day for Kristallnacht! Treat yourself with more tender cheese on your crispy chicken. Now at KFCheese!”

Approximately one hour later another message was sent with an apology, according to the Bild newspaper.

“We are very sorry, we will check our internal processes immediately so that this does not happen again. Please excuse this error,” the message allegedly said.

There are memorials each year for Kristallnacht on its anniversary, which is November 9th.

Dalia Grinfeld, the associate director of European affairs at the Jewish NGO Anti-Defamation League, condemned the company for the ad, saying: “How wrong can you get on Kristallnacht KFC Germany. Shame on you!”

KFC Germany issued a statement to Newsweek where they blamed the message on a bot.

KFC said the “automated push notification” was “linked to calendars that include national observances.”

They further apologized for the “unplanned, insensitive and unacceptable message,” adding that app communications have been suspended while they investigate the incident.

“We understand and respect the gravity and history of this day, and remain committed to equity, inclusion and belonging for all,” KFC concluded in their statement.