Subway Franchisees Call for Megan Rapinoe’s Firing over Controversial Ads
Megan Rapinoe, the 36-year-old soccer star known for her activism, has found herself at the center of controversy once again. This time, a group of Subway franchisees is demanding that the sandwich giant terminate its sponsorship deal with Rapinoe due to her actions at the Tokyo Olympics. The franchisees argue that her ads have received mixed responses and are causing backlash for their stores.
Controversial Ads and Franchisee Backlash
In one of the ads featuring Rapinoe, she is shown kicking a burrito out of a man’s hands after kicking a soccer ball at him. While Rapinoe’s advocacy for women’s and civil rights has garnered support, it has also drawn criticism. A franchisee from Wisconsin shared a photo of a note taped to the front door of their store, calling for a boycott of Subway until Rapinoe is fired. The franchisee expressed frustration, stating that apologizing for the ads has become tiresome.
Franchisees Express Concerns
The North American Association of Subway Franchisees (NAASF) has taken action on behalf of its members. NAASF representatives have communicated the concerns raised by franchisees to Subway’s top management, including Chief Executive John Chidsey. Franchisees are calling for the ads to be pulled, and some have even sought legal advice to escalate their concerns.
Political Divisions and Careful Due Diligence
John Gordon, a consultant at Pacific Management Consulting Group, suggests that Subway should have conducted more thorough due diligence before partnering with Rapinoe. He notes that the country’s political divisions make such endorsements a sensitive matter. Franchisees argue that the focus should be on promoting Subway’s products rather than making political statements.
Franchisees Disappointed with Subway’s Decision
Franchisees from Arizona and the Midwest express disappointment with Subway’s choice to align with Rapinoe. They believe that the company should have anticipated the potential backlash based on her past controversies. Some suggest that Subway’s advertising should shift its focus to the quality of the bread and highlight the stories of individual franchise owners to foster a more personal and less corporate image.
Rapinoe’s Controversial Past
Rapinoe has faced controversy in the past, including allegations of stomping on the American flag and refusing to visit the White House during the Trump administration. Former President Trump criticized Rapinoe and the U.S. soccer team following their Bronze win at the Olympics, accusing them of being too focused on politics.
Endorsement Deals and the Way Forward
Despite the backlash, Rapinoe has secured endorsement deals with various brands, including Victoria’s Secret. The outcome of the Subway franchisees’ call for her firing remains uncertain, and both Megan Rapinoe and Subway have not provided comments on the matter.
What are your thoughts on this controversy? Share your opinion and let us know your perspective.
Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in August 2021, amid record high levels of political division in America. According to Pew surveys, the US ranks among the highest in the world according to how many people feel more divided than before the pandemic. More on this here:
