McDonald’s has confirmed that store owner Rob Vigors is “no longer involved” in the company, after a video showing Vigors abusing Indigenous residents went viral over the weekend.
The video, filmed by Robby Wirramanda, depicted Mildura resident Karen Ridge attempting (and failing) to tear down an Aboriginal flag attached to the Wirramanda family’s car, while Vigors questioned Wirramanda’s Aboriginality: “You claiming to be Aboriginal? You make me laugh.”
The video was posted online by Wirramanda’s child, who also stemmed the hashtag #TooStrongForYouKaren, which began trending as soon as the video gained traction.
WTF!!!! THIS HAPPENED TO MY PARENTS JUST LAST NIGHT pic.twitter.com/MqFfXgmV3z
— kira_Djnalie (@btddecolonize) December 13, 2019
“McDonald’s confirms the Company has taken over the operation of the Mildura and Irymple restaurants, effective immediately, and Robert Vigors has left the system and is no longer involved,” McDonald’s Australia stated, via the offical Facebook page.
“McDonald’s will be engaging with its employees regarding the change in arrangements, to ensure the ongoing operation of the restaurants.”
McDonald’s Australia has since been applauded for its swift action against Vigors.
We need more large corporations like @McDonalds with zero tolerance policies when it comes to racism. This is a victory for mob everywhere. I only hope there have been no young Blackfullas working there under him. #toostrongforyoukaren pic.twitter.com/YPuoThQa4L
— Madeline Hayman-Reber (@MadelineHayman) December 15, 2019
