Fast-food giant McDonald’s is heading back to court as a federal judge has given the green light for a racial bias lawsuit filed by two former Black executives. Victoria Guster-Hines and Domineca Neal are accusing the company of subjecting them to racial slurs and retaliation after they raised complaints about their treatment.
The ‘Angry Black Women’ Allegation
The core of the lawsuit, filed in 2020, centers on allegations that a regional president used harmful language. This included criticizing “Black woman attitude” and describing one of the plaintiffs, along with other employees, as “angry Black women.” U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland ruled that these specific accusations are serious enough to move forward as a hostile work environment claim.
In her ruling, Judge Rowland noted the significant harm such epithets can carry, especially when uttered by a supervisor. This decision allows the case to proceed, focusing on these specific claims of discriminatory language.
Claims Dismissed, Others Move Forward
While the judge allowed the racial slur claims to advance, she did dismiss other allegations from Guster-Hines and Neal. Specifically, claims that they were unfairly passed over for promotions were dismissed due to insufficient evidence that they were the most qualified candidates for those roles.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s expressed satisfaction with the dismissal of these promotion-related claims, stating, “the evidence will show the remaining claims against McDonald’s USA are without merit.” However, the company still faces the significant challenge of defending against the racial bias allegations.
A Pattern of Discrimination Claims
This lawsuit adds to a growing list of discriminatory claims leveled against the fast-food giant. In 2025, McDonald’s settled an undisclosed case with a former Black security executive who alleged he was forced out after criticizing CEO Chris Kempczinski. The CEO had reportedly blamed the parents of a shooting victim for their child’s death via text, later apologizing for his “narrow worldview.”
Furthermore, media mogul Byron Allen launched a massive $110 billion lawsuit, accusing McDonald’s of excluding Black-owned media from its advertising budget. While McDonald’s eventually agreed to purchase ads from Allen’s companies, the suit highlighted broader concerns about the company’s advertising practices.
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