PUBLIX IN CONNECTION WITH FUNDING TRUMP’S RALLY
Publix supermarket faces backlash after it was reported that Julie Jenkins Fancelli, a member of the billionaire family that founded the grocery chain, donated to Trump’s rally that lead to the United States Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
Fancelli donated thousands of dollars to help finance the bulk of former President Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally, which kicked off what became a deadly day in U.S. history. On Monday, it was reported that many supporters of the supermarket are vowing to shop somewhere else.
https://twitter.com/JrArchitect1973/status/1361677144783470593?s=20
“Mrs. Fancelli is not an employee of Publix Super Markets, and is neither involved in our business operations, nor does she represent the company in any way. We cannot comment on Mrs. Fancelli’s actions,” the company wrote. “The violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6 was a national tragedy. The deplorable actions that occurred that day do not represent the values, work or opinions of Publix Super Markets.”
https://twitter.com/Publix/status/1355677088376893445?s=20
In addition to Fancelli funding the bulk cost of Trump’s rally, she was a major donor to Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, according to the Wall Street Journal.
This isn’t the first time Publix has been under heat. The supermarket has also been criticized for mistreatment of LGBTQ workers, gender discrimination, and donations to right-wing causes. Earlier this year, Publix donated $100,000 to support Florida Gov. Rob DeSantis’ re-election. Following the donation, Publix was awarded a contract to distribute COVID-19 vaccines at its stores exclusively. According to a report, the governor’s office denied the money was linked, but additional stores were later added to the distribution plan.
While the boycott continues to gain publicity, some people on social media warned that not shopping at Publix could hurt the jobs of people who had nothing to do with her decision.
