McDonald’s Fends Off $100 Million Byron Allen Suit Over Ads

McDonald’s USA LLC cannot be held accountable for its promise to increase its advertising spending with racially diverse companies, a California appeals court affirmed, dismissing a $100 million lawsuit against the company.

A trial court was right to consider the promise “protected activity as part of a national dialogue on race and equity” and grant dismissal of the lawsuit brought by members of a Byron Allen-owned media conglomerate, the opinion said.

McDonald’s didn’t specifically ask customers to spend money at its restaurants with its diversity promise, so McDonald’s can defend itself using anti-SLAPP motion that blocks meritless lawsuits intended to ...