When you’re a big corporation fighting a social media firestorm, it’s best to put out the flames as soon as possible mo matter what the cost. KFC Corporation management fully understands this important 21st Century business dynamic, and as soon as it confirmed one of its store managers had asked a little girl mauled in a dog attack to leave the restaurant, the company wasted little time in making a $30,000 donation to quiet its critics.
Earlier this spring, 3-year-old Victoria Wilcher was attacked by her grandfather’s three pit bulls in the back yard, with the attack leading to extensive facial scarring and causing her to lose an eye. The right side of her face is also partially paralyzed.
Details on the incident
Victoria and her grandmother stopped by a KFC in Jackson, Mississippi to pick up some mashed potatoes, and they had to wait in line a few minutes. An employee of the restaurant then asked Victoria to leave because she was making other customers uncomfortable. The shocked grandmother and upset child left immediately and posted about their experience on social media. It didn’t take long until the story went viral, and KFC officials released a statement.
“When we go to a store, she doesn’t even want to get out,” her grandmother explained in an interview with a local television station. “She’s 3 years old and she’s embarrassed about what she looks like. She’s embarrassed and I hate it because she shouldn’t be. It ain’t her fault.”
KFC’s initial statement
“KFC launched an investigation as soon as we were made aware of this report. We take this very seriously, as we have zero tolerance for any kind of hurtful or disrespectful actions toward our guests. Our investigation is ongoing, but we have been in touch with the family and are committed to doing something appropriate for this beautiful little girl and her family. We will also work with the franchisee to take appropriate action at the restaurant once the specifics of the incident are determined.”
Followup $30,000 donation
The next day KFC realized they had to “go big” to not come out looking bad with the situation, so the company announced it was donating $30,000 to the GoFundMe account that has been set up by Victoria’s family to help with the huge medical bills they are facing.
Raised over $93,000 for Victoria as of Monday afternoon
Even better, it looks like this is going to be one of these everybody wins situations. According to Gawker, Victoria’s GoFundMe account had raised more than $93,000 as of Monday afternoon and was on track to exceed $100,000.
