KFC in Germany has apologized for inviting customers to “self-treat” on Kristallnacht.
The business sent out an alert to its mobile app on the anniversary of a day in 1938 when thousands of businesses, synagogues and homes were vandalized and destroyed.
KFC’s message, sent on Wednesday, said: “It’s Kristallnacht Memorial Day! Treat yourself to a softer cheese on your crispy chicken. Now at KFCheese!”
It sent another message an hour later with an apology and then officially apologized for the “unplanned, insensitive and unacceptable message” after the first message caused anger and distrust.
The fast food chain says it’s produced automatically by its computer system, using a bot that generates notifications based on national anniversaries.
However, they said their internal review process was not followed.
“We understand and respect the importance and history of this day, and are committed to equity, inclusion and belonging for all,” KFC said.
As well as the destruction of property, up to 30,000 Jewish men were rounded up and sent to concentration camps during Kristallnacht and at least 91 died.
It became known as Kristallnacht, which means crystal night, because of the shards of broken glass that littered the streets of Germany and Austria after the violence.
