_x000D_Screenshot: McDonald’s (youtube.com)

In January 2024, McDonald’s Malaysia took legal action against the Anti-Israeli Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. But why?

In January 2024, McDonald’s found itself in a pickle due to the aftermath of a controversial decision by McDonald’s Israel to donate meals to Israeli Defence Forces troops involved in the Gaza conflict after the Oct. 7 massacre. This action stirred up a storm of criticism and led to boycott calls from pro-Palestinian groups, including the BDS movement. In response, McDonald’s Malaysia sued the Malaysia BDS group for $1.3 million (£1m), alleging that their social media posts calling for a boycott contained “false and defamatory statements” that negatively impacted its business.