Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy was pressed by NBC’s “Today” show about the company’s past LGBTQ controversies and official stance on equal rights, responding, “We’re focused on hospitality.”
Craig Melvin, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today,” pressed Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy on Wednesday about the fast food chain’s stance on LGBTQ rights, repeatedly questioning the company’s Christian beliefs and past opposition to same-sex marriage during a segment highlighting its history and business success.
When Melvin asked for Chick-fil-A’s official position on equal rights, Cathy emphasized the company’s commitment to serving customers rather than directly addressing its stance on LGBTQ issues.
“We focus on hospitality, serving tasty food and great service,” Cathy said.
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Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy was pressed by Craig Melvin, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today,” about the company’s history of LGBTQ controversies and its official stance on equal rights. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images/Getty Images)
The exchange came after Melvin returned to the company’s controversy in 2012, when Cathy’s father, former CEO Dan Cathy, publicly supported traditional marriage, sparking protests and boycotts. The company has been criticized for its charitable donations to Christian organizations accused of opposing LGBTQ rights.
NewsBusters editor-in-chief Curtis Houck criticized NBC’s handling of the interview in comments to Fox News Digital, accusing the network of deliberately pushing the controversy.
“Although it was only a little over 90 seconds in an approximately six-minute block, its mention and visibility after it was broadcast on ‘Today’ social media platforms was proof that it was entirely an ambush,” Houck said. “Never mind the company’s remarkably courteous staff who serve everyone, no matter who they love. It’s never enough. NBC should be ashamed of itself.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that Melvin dwelled on it for much of the package, because he, like the Cathy family, is a fellow believer in Christ. Just before the haggle, he praised Chick-fil-A for how much their faith has guided them from their humble beginnings to its status as the third largest fast food chain in America.”
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NewsBusters editor-in-chief Curtis Houck accused NBC of ambushing Chick-fil-A’s CEO, criticizing the network for focusing on the Christian-founded company’s past opposition to same-sex marriage. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Melvin asked Cathy how he would respond to people who had already protested Chick-fil-A over accusations that the company did not support the LGBTQ community.
Cathy responded by emphasizing that customers were welcome at the restaurant chain, regardless of their background.
“Anyone who is willing to walk through the door is welcome to come and eat with us. We would love to provide them with a tasty sandwich and great hospitality,” Cathy said.
Melvin then asked Cathy if he wanted to discuss this chapter in the company’s history before asking him directly about his stance on equal rights.
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Former “Today” anchor Katie Couric criticized Cathy’s response to questions about LGBTQ rights, calling it a “unanswerable answer” in a comment on the show’s Instagram post. (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The exchange also drew criticism from former “Today” anchor Katie Couric, who commented on the show’s Instagram post about the interview.
“An answer without an answer,” she said. “That’s what his father Dan Cathy said in 2012. ‘We fully support family – the biblical definition.’ A good answer would have been: ‘Do you agree with your father?'”
Chick-fil-A’s religious foundation has remained central to its corporate identity despite past controversies. During Wednesday’s interview, Cathy reaffirmed the company’s long-standing practice of closing on Sundays and described its Christian mission as an anchor.
In 2019, Fox News Digital reported that Chick-fil-A would stop donating to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Salvation Army after criticizing the organizations’ stances on LGBTQ issues. The company has redirected its charitable donations towards education, homelessness and hunger initiatives.
Chick-fil-A’s current corporate policies prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
The company’s official social purpose continues to emphasize the glorification of God and the positive influence of those who interact with the company.
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Fox News Digital reached out to NBC, Cathy and Chick-fil-A for comment but did not immediately receive responses.
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