Chick-Fil-A: No, We Did Not Create A Fake Facebook Profile To Attack Our Critics
Chick-Fil-A claims they did not create a fake Facebook profile yesterday to attack their opponents on the social media giant. As many news outlets reported yesterday, a fake profile indeed was created on Facebook, complete with a paid-for stock profile photo, that was refuting claims the Jim Henson Company’s dropping of Chick-Fil-A came before the $4.5 billion Christian fast food retailing giant invoked a voluntary “withholding” of the Muppet-creator’s toys which were given away with kids’ meals.
“In the thread on Chick-fil-A’s Facebook page, a commenter named ‘Abby Farle,’ who had a stock photo of a teenage girl as her picture, posted a couple times in defense of the chicken chain,” Business Insider explains:
Another person called her out, saying that the account was created just eight hours ago, and accused Chick-fil-A’s PR department of creating the account. If that was really what happened, it’d be a terribly shady PR tactic.
But, as Casey Chan at Gizmodo notes, “of course, there’s a chance that this could all be a stunt to shame Chick-fil-A—or an overzealous supporter.”
Now, Chick-fil-A is denying that it had anything to do with it. Here’s the statement that Chick-fil-A spokesperson Tiffany Greenway gave us (emphasis hers):
“I can confirm that Chick-fil-A has not created a false Facebook page of any kind. Our official corporate Facebook page continues to be our only one.”
Or, Chick-Fil-A could be lying. Or, their PR company could have done it. Or, any one of a number of explanations — none of which we’ll know since the account was quickly deleted after it was discovered.
Of course, I’m sure Facebook has the fake account creator’s IP address…
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.