Narinder Kaur “insulted” after being dropped from McDonald’s event over beef question
Former ‘Big Brother’ star and broadcaster Narinder Kaur was removed from McDonald’s VIP “Secret Menu” launch in London after organisers were told she is Sikh, prompting claims of religious discrimination.
Kaur, 53, had confirmed attendance with her children after repeated invitations, but her booking was cancelled when her agent asked if the menu included beef, explaining the family avoids it for religious reasons. Organisers cited “capacity issues”, though another guest with the same agent and time slot remained invited.
The invitation promised guests a “unique opportunity”, telling them: “We’re excited to exclusively reveal that the McDonald’s Secret Menu Event will feature two never-before-seen menu items, available to try only at this event. This is a unique opportunity to experience McDonald’s brand-new Secret Menu concept – celebrating creative McDonald’s hacks. Expect DJ sets, drinks, and of course, two exclusive menu items to enjoy.”
Narinder had been due to attend alongside celebrity fashion designer Josh Birch Jones, whose famous clients include Dannii Minogue, Vanessa Williams and Helen Flanagan.
Related to this
Narinder exclusively told BizAsiaLive.com: “It’s disappointing and insulting. They’ve told The Sun newspaper it was a mistake, but told my agent it was a capacity issue. McDonald’s still haven’t told me what the reason was and they haven’t done anything to make it right either. They would rather put out a wishy washy statement than do the right thing.”
In a statement a McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We strongly refute that we would ever make a decision about hosting someone based on religion, or any other characteristic. We hold events like this regularly, introducing exciting new products to brand fans from all backgrounds, reflecting the incredibly diverse customer base and employees we are so proud of.
“We sincerely apologise to Narinder for the mistake made around her invite to the event. We have reached out to assure her that this mistake was unintentional – and that we regularly welcome people who don’t eat beef to events, to enjoy the variety of other products we provide.”
