Grab Philippines reminded its riders that homophobia has no place in the company, following reports of slurs made by Grab delivery personnel against those ordering McDonald’s much-vaunted BTS Meal.
INSISTING that inclusivity is one of its core values, ride -hailing app Grab Philippines has suspended delivery riders reportedly involved in posting homophobic remarks against the K-Pop group BTS over the McDonald’s promotional BTS Meal.
“Inclusivity is one of Grab’s core values, and we have zero-tolerance policy for inexcusable behaviors,” Grab’s official statement read.
“We have immediately suspended the delivery partners in question and will continue to work hard to maintain an inclusive and diverse platform.”
Prior to the statement, a Twitter user shared screenshots of a chat conversation of alleged Grab riders calling BTS “biot,” the shortened term for bayot, a Tagalog slur for gay.
The user called on fellow BTS fans, called ARMY, to boycott Grab’s delivery services and instead use McDonald’s own delivery app to order the BTS Meal.
“@grabph teach your drivers/riders proper manners and professionalism. Filo ARMYs, don't use the grab food in ordering the BTS Meal,” wrote @vmindables.
Grab’s statement, posted last June 24, also appealed to the public’s understanding to continue supporting Grab riders amid “the actions of a few select individuals.”
Another group of ARMY raised funds for a Foodpanda rider who posted a supportive message to ARMY on Facebook despite the hectic delivery and surge, he was thankful for the orders.
“Lakas ng BTS meal ngaun. Umaarangkada na. kme mga Foodpanda rides masayang dedeliver sa inyo ang bts meal. kya mga bts fans dyn gogogogo na order na kyo,” Benjamin Baetiong wrote on Friday.
A few ARMY launched a project to raise at least P7,000 for Baetiong called #ARMYMealProject. By June 19, 3 AM, the group had raised over P45,000.
“I hope that this would also become an awareness to others, that a little kindness and respect goes a long way, and that you will be rewarded with every good deed,” said @therealkittenwp, the project head.
The BTS Meal will be available until supplies last, according to McDonald’s while also ensuring there will be enough meals for everyone, no reason to panic.
Tags: #GrabPhilippines, #McDonalds, #BTSMeal, #homophobia