Fast food giant Burger King is facing backlash after it pulled ads from Rumble, a video-sharing platform that has been under fire for its refusal to censor content deemed dangerous to the establishment. The move comes in response to accusations of sexual assault against comedian and social commentator Russell Brand, which have sparked a heated debate over free speech and censorship.
The controversy began when a group called The News Movement, known for its left-wing activism, claimed credit for persuading Burger King to withdraw its ads from Rumble. The company’s decision has triggered outrage among conservative media figures, who have called for a boycott of the fast food chain.
Former Fox News host Dan Bongino, a popular conservative commentator, wasted no time in slamming Burger King for its support of censorship. He took to social media to urge people to “spend [their] money wisely” and boycott the company. A sentiment shared by other conservative influencers, including Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who called the move “wokeism, censorship, and cancel culture” and urged people to stop eating at Burger King.
Burger King wants you to “have it your way.” Who knew their “way” was wokeism, censorship & cancel culture. Their burgers are shit any way.
Spend your money wisely. @BurgerKing pic.twitter.com/u7YIMUuTs6— Dan Bongino (@dbongino) September 23, 2023
The News Movement reported that several other major brands, including ASOS, London’s Barbican Centre, and Hello Fresh, have joined Burger King in pulling their ads from Brand’s channel on Rumble. The move has sparked a debate over the role that corporations should play in censoring content and the importance of due process in the face of serious allegations.
Russell Brand has been accused of sexual assault by a number of women, allegations that he has vehemently denied. The controversy has reignited the ongoing debate over the credibility of sexual assault allegations and the need to balance the presumption of innocence with the need to support victims.
Burger King’s decision to pull its ads from Rumble highlights the growing trend of corporations taking political sides and bowing to pressure from activists. This has sparked criticism from free speech advocates and raised questions about the future of online platforms that refuse to comply with censorship demands.
Burger King has pulled its ads from Rumble because the free speech platform refuses to play judge, jury, and executioner of Russell Brand after the UK Governor demanded the platform demonetize him.
Reminder, Brand has not been convicted of a single crime.
Boycott @BurgerKing.…
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 24, 2023
The backlash against Burger King serves as a reminder of the power of consumers in holding companies accountable for their actions. Recent successful boycotts of Bud Light and Target, both of which faced outrage for their “woke” stances, have shown that consumers can make a difference by choosing where to spend their money.
In the face of mounting pressure, Burger King has not yet made any comment on the issue. The company’s decision could have serious consequences for its reputation and bottom line, as consumers increasingly demand that corporations stay out of politics and refrain from censoring content.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear – Burger King’s decision to pull its ads from Rumble has caused a stir and may ultimately result in the company being “flame-broiled” by customers who believe in the importance of free speech and due process. Only time will tell how this controversy will play out, but one thing is certain – it has put the spotlight on the role of corporations in shaping the future of online speech.
I like not being associated with Burger King on Rumble, so that’s one plus. https://t.co/O0bTLkOe5g
— Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) September 24, 2023
