Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

KFC Apologizes After Mobile App Alert For Tone-Deaf Kristallnacht Promotion In Germany

Kentucky Fried Chicken—KFC storefront
Xavi Lopez/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

KFC sent out the alert on the memorial of Kristallnacht, which some consider the start of the Holocaust in 1939.

This week, KFC issued a public apology for telling German customers to "treat themselves" on Kristallnacht in a mobile app alert.

It was reported the Yum Brands chain sent out the insensitive notification on Wednesday.


"It's Kristallnacht Memorial Day! Give yourself a treat by adding more soft cheese to your crispy chicken. At KFCheese now!

@harikunzru/Twitter

In November 1938, Nazis carried out pogroms against Jews in Germany and Austria known as "Kristallnacht" or "the night of broken glass." Some people regard it as marking the start of the Holocaust.

The alert, according to KFC, contained "an obviously unintended, insensitive and unacceptable message."

The message was sent via the company's half-AI (artificial intelligence) messaging system that ties into national observances.

Reactions were pretty quick to roll in—from shocked to angered.

A whole vein of commentary was along the lines of "this is what AI gets you."





Others commented on the Antisemitism of the act, which almost goes without saying in such an obvious mistake, but should be pointed out. To add insult to injury, the app's suggestion of a chicken and cheese meal dies not adhere to Kosher dietary laws, or is known as "tref."

Finally, there were those who came up with other, similar blunders that could happen if the AI chose a different day of national importance for a notification.

Not the best look for KFC, or for the usefulness of AI marketing bots.

More from News

Woman relaxing in sunhat and sunglasses
Photo by Jordan Bauer on Unsplash

People Explain Which 'Small Luxuries' They Can't Live Without

Many of us have committed to being fairly financially frugal and not overspending on silly, unnecessary things.

That is to say, sometimes, it's fun to splurge on something one time to see what it's like to experience that small luxury.

Keep ReadingShow less
two women in emotional distress seated on couch
Ben White on Unsplash

People Who've Experienced Grief Share The Most Tone-Deaf Things They've Heard

Grief, loss, trauma are all part of life. But for most people, the emotions and reactions that go with them are difficult to witness.

So they rely on platitudes to fill any holes in conversation. That's rarely a good idea.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump
Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Trump Demands 'Boss Of AT&T' Fix Equipment After Failed Conference Call In Bizarre Meltdown

When most of us have technical difficulties, we contact tech support or customer service.

But if you're President of the United States, just ranting on social media—then having your White House Press Secretary post a screenshot of your post on a social media platform people actually use—is apparently the answer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Lauren Boebert speaking to Alex Stein
Prime Time with Alex Stein/Blaze Media

Lauren Boebert Casts Doubt On Moon Landing During Wild Interview With Conspiracy Theorist

Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert was criticized after she seemingly agreed with the conspiracy theory that the moon landing was faked in a wide-ranging interview with conservative conspiracy theorist Alex Stein.

The segment began with the duo casting doubt on nuclear weapons—Boebert even joked about needing "tin foil"—and moved into weirder territory when Stein praised Boebert for "vibing" with him on the topic of the moon landing. Conspiracy theorists have long alleged the moon landing was fabricated by NASA in what they claim was an elaborate hoax.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rosie O'Donnell; Oprah Winfrey
Simon Ackerman/Getty Images; Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images

Rosie O'Donnell Calls Out Oprah For Attending Jeff Bezos' Wedding In Scathing Poem

Among the various celebrity hangers-on who attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Venice wedding, the one that seemed to generate the most controversy was Oprah Winfrey.

After all, a woman known for her progressive politics whose entire ethos is about teaching people how to be their best selves, attending the wedding of man who directly funded a fascist regime dismantling our country before our eyes doesn't exactly add up.

Keep ReadingShow less