Google by Alphabet Inc. GOOGL GOOG has taken action to remove a series of negative reviews targeting a McDonald’s MCD location in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This move comes in the wake of the arrest of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The arrest was made possible by a tip from a McDonald’s employee.
What Happened: The McDonald’s outlet faced a surge of negative reviews after Mangione’s arrest. These reviews often criticized the restaurant for using terms related to the healthcare industry and derogatory slang for informants, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
Examples include phrases like “rats in the kitchen” and “Narc-donalds,” as noted by CBS News. Google responded by removing reviews that breached its guidelines, which require authenticity. Despite the influx of one-star reviews, the restaurant maintains a 3.6-star rating from 1,890 reviews.
“These reviews violate our policies and have been removed,” a Google spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement.
The murder of Thompson has ignited significant online discourse, with many sharing grievances about UnitedHealthcare, known for having the highest claim denial rate in the U.S., according to Value Penguin. Healthcare remains a divisive topic in the U.S., with a Gallup poll revealing that while 65% of Americans rate their own coverage positively, only 28% feel the same about the national healthcare system.
Why It Matters: The incident at the Pennsylvania McDonald’s, where Mangione was apprehended, has drawn considerable attention. Reports indicate that Mangione was recognized by customers and employees from surveillance images released by New York City police, leading to his arrest. This has sparked a backlash from some who disapprove of the police involvement.
Meanwhile, Mangione is resisting extradition to New York, where the crime took place. During a court appearance, he expressed his intention to fight extradition. The case continues to unfold, with significant public interest due to the high-profile nature of the crime and the involvement of a major corporation.
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