As reported by BBC News, McDonald's has been forced to issue an apology and temporarily close one of their restaurants in the industrial city of Guangzhou in China after it allegedly barred black people from entering.
In a video shared to social media, a sign was allegedly placed in the restaurant that read: "We’ve been informed that from now on black people are not allowed to enter the restaurant.
"For the sake of your health, consciously notify the local police for medical isolation, please understand the inconvenience caused."
You can see the video in the tweet below:The video was uploaded by Twitter account Black Livity China, and immediately sparked outrage on social media.
In response to the video, one commenter wrote: "Banning black people is f****** insane. The world needs to know about this. China calls racism all the time, this is REAL racism."
Another tweet read: "I feel sorry for what black people are going through in China. I'm Chinese, but I absolutely support you to fight for your rights. No one should be treated like this."
In a statement responding to the sign, McDonald's said:
"As a brand, as a company and as more than 2.2 million people serving nearly 120 countries around the world, this is not representative of our inclusive values.
"Immediately upon learning of an unauthorized communication to our guests at a restaurant in Guangzhou, we immediately removed the communication and temporarily closed the restaurant.
"As part of the temporary closure of this restaurant, we will take the opportunity to further educate managers and employees on our values, which includes serving all members of the communities in which we operate."
According to the Daily Mail, Guangzhou is home to 13,600 African migrants, who have reportedly been facing rising levels of xenophobia as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Community leaders told the BBC that hundreds of Africans in Guangzhou were evicted from hotels and apartments last week following online rumors that coronavirus was spreading among African people.
Guangzhou is home to an African community hub found in the Yuexiu district when many migrants work as traders buying and selling goods.
According to the Daily Mail, since April 4, the Guangzhou Health Commission has screened 4,553 African nationals currently living in the city. A total of 111 residents were found to be infected with the novel coronavirus.
Chen Yongqiu, deputy chief police officer of Guangzhou, told the press: "We have provided African nationals with the exact same nucleic acid testing procedures as we do for Chinese and other foreign nationals.
"We appointed the same quarantine hotels and staff members. There is no discrimination or racism."
