A federal judge in Chicago has ruled that a racial discrimination lawsuit against McDonald’s can move forward.
The decision follows allegations by two former Black female executives who say they were subjected to harmful stereotypes and pushed out of the company.
U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland approved key portions of the case, allowing claims by former vice presidents Victoria Guster-Hines and Domineca Neal to proceed.
The lawsuit, originally filed in 2020, alleges the women were subjected to racially charged criticism, including being labeled “angry Black women” and having their behavior described as exhibiting a “Black woman attitude” by a regional president.
In her ruling, Rowland acknowledged the broader implications of such language.
“Courts confronted with accusations regarding ‘angry Black women’ have noted that this epithet carries significant harm with it,” she wrote, adding that such remarks—especially from a supervisor—could support claims of a hostile work environment.
However, the judge dismissed other parts of the lawsuit, including claims that the two women were unfairly denied promotions, citing insufficient evidence that they were the most qualified candidates.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s welcomed that portion of the decision, stating that “the evidence will show the remaining claims… are without merit.”
The case adds to a growing list of discrimination-related challenges facing the fast-food giant. In 2025, McDonald’s settled with a former Black security executive who alleged he was forced out after raising concerns about comments made by CEO Chris Kempczinski.
Kempczinski later issued a public apology, acknowledging his remarks reflected a “narrow worldview.”
Additionally, media entrepreneur Byron Allen filed a high-profile $110 billion lawsuit accusing the company of excluding Black-owned media from a significant portion of its advertising spending.
McDonald’s later said it would expand its ad partnerships to include Allen’s companies.
As the latest lawsuit moves forward, it is expected to further scrutinize workplace culture and diversity practices within one of the world’s largest fast-food chains.
