McDonald's Settles Racial Discrimination Lawsuit, Continues ESN Advertising

McDonald's USA has reached a confidential settlement with Entertainment Studios Network and The Weather Group, owned by media mogul Byron Allen, resolving a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in advertising contracts. Under the agreement, McDonald's will continue purchasing advertising from ESN at market value, without admitting any wrongdoing, and ESN will dismiss its lawsuit. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the resolution, acknowledging McDonald's commitment to investing in Black-owned media properties and increasing access to opportunities. McDonald's emphasized that the commercial arrangement aligns with its advertising strategy and supplier relationships, highlighting mutual respect as a core business principle. The settlement allows both companies to refocus on their business relationship, and McDonald's maintains its reputation for financial stability and inclusion efforts. Details of the settlement remain confidential, but the companies view the outcome as beneficial for their ongoing collaboration.