TAIPEI (TVBS News) — McDonald's Taiwan on Wednesday (Jan. 15) vowed to take responsibility and apologize to customers amid a sexual assault scandal involving a part-time employee. The company announced the cancellation of its collaboration with the Japanese character My Melody, initially set for release earlier that day, after the employee allegedly died by suicide following the assault by a supervisor.
McDonald's stated on Facebook that the case has entered judicial proceedings, and they will fully cooperate with investigators and await the results. The company pledged to take concrete actions, review internal management and systems, and update reform progress on social media, acknowledging, "We know we have fallen far short in the past."
The decision to cancel the My Melody collaboration was based on ongoing social discussions and McDonald's expressed regret for any inconvenience. The victim's mother recently revealed on Threads that her daughter was sexually assaulted by a supervisor who misused scheduling authority, leading to depression and her tragic decision to end her life. This revelation sparked public outrage and calls for a boycott.
