Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy Declines to State Company Position on LGBTQ Rights in NBC Interview
In his first televised interview as chief executive, Andrew Cathy said Chick-fil-A welcomes all customers but avoided giving a direct answer on the chain’s stance toward LGBTQ rights, prompting criticism from public figures.
Chick-fil-A chief executive Andrew Cathy faced questions about the restaurant chain’s position on LGBTQ rights during an interview on NBC’s "Today" program on Wednesday. When co-anchor Craig Melvin asked about the company’s official stance and past controversies, Cathy replied that the business is focused on hospitality, serving "great-tasting food" and providing "great service." He added that anyone who walks through a Chick-fil-A door is welcome to eat there and receive a "great-tasting sandwich and great hospitality," but he did not directly address the company’s position on LGBTQ issues.
The interview referenced a 2012 controversy in which former CEO Dan Cathy, Andrew Cathy’s father, publicly supported “traditional marriage,” which had led to protests, boycotts and criticism over the chain’s charitable donations to Christian groups. Since then, Chick-fil-A has said it has shifted its charitable giving toward education, homelessness and hunger, and its current corporate policies prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, according to FOX Business.
Public reaction was mixed, with several celebrities commenting on the interview’s Instagram post. Former "Today" host Katie Couric described Cathy’s reply as a "non-answer answer" and suggested the host ask whether he agreed with his father’s 2012 remarks. Other commentators, including Ross Mathews, Valerie Bertinelli, Willam and Chelsea Handler, expressed disappointment or indicated they would avoid the chain.
The interview marked Cathy’s first broadcast appearance as CEO, and his non-committal response has reignited discussion about Chick-fil-A’s policies and public perception.