A McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, found itself at the center of an online firestorm after staff actions led to the arrest of Luigi Mangione, wanted for the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson.
Trolls flooded the restaurant’s online reviews, sparking a wave of criticism and negativity.
Trolls “Review Bomb” McDonald’s
The arrest triggered a phenomenon known as “review bombing,” where online users leave negative reviews unrelated to the actual service of a business.
Over 100 one-star reviews and disparaging comments appeared on the McDonald’s Google page, accusing employees of betrayal and criticizing the restaurant.
Sarcastic and Outlandish Reviews Emerge
Reviewers flooded the page with exaggerated and mocking comments, calling the staff “traitors” and comparing them to rats.
One reviewer quipped, “The fries were sad and cold, like that snitch’s heart.”
Another sarcastically accused the staff of sabotaging Mangione’s meal, stating, “Imagine going to grab a Big Mac and seeing a HERO get ratted out by Officer Snitchy McSnitch.”
Others made humorous ties to McDonald’s menu, joking about the return of the McRib as the ultimate lure.
The comments ranged from satirical jabs to outright false claims of rat infestations and poor food quality.
Google Takes Action
In response, Google removed the reviews that violated its policies.
The company stated, “Reviews should reflect genuine experiences,” emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance on manipulated ratings.
Despite these efforts, the controversy sparked calls for boycotts and continued criticism across social media.
McDonald’s Defends Its Employee
The fast-food chain issued a statement supporting its employee, who acted after an elderly customer recognized Mangione and alerted staff.
McDonald’s emphasized its cooperation with law enforcement and distanced itself from the broader controversy surrounding the arrest.
Details of the Arrest
Authorities found Mangione at the McDonald’s wearing a mask and using a laptop.
Initially, he provided a fake New Jersey ID, but when confronted, he admitted his real identity.
Police discovered a 3D-printed ghost gun and a handwritten manifesto condemning healthcare companies.
A High-Profile Murder
Mangione’s arrest came days after Thompson was shot outside the New York Hilton Hotel in Manhattan.
Surveillance footage revealed the suspect fleeing the scene on a bike before boarding a bus out of the city.
Police believe Thompson was deliberately targeted, possibly reflecting broader frustrations with rising healthcare costs and denied claims.
Ongoing Fallout
The incident has sparked debates about corporate responsibility, employee actions, and the ethics of “review bombing.”
While McDonald’s employees tried to go about their day after the arrest, the backlash continues to ripple online.
What lies ahead for this McDonald’s, and how this controversy unfolds, remains to be seen.
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