'An apology isn't enough': Muslim teenager told to remove hijab in London McDonald's hits out at fast-food giant

A Muslim woman who was told to remove her hijab before entering a London McDonald’s restaurant has hit out at the fast food chain’s response to the incident.

The 19-year-old student filmed a security guard telling her she must remove her hijab to enter the restaurant in Seven Sisters last week.

The shocking footage made headlines in the UK and McDonald’s has since said the staff member was suspended and that an investigation had been launched.

But the woman, who has not been named, said the fast food giant’s actions were “not enough”.

She told the BBC: "They basically said that the security guard was employed by a third-party company and so what they're trying to say is, 'We don't condone his conduct but we can't be held responsible because we're not the people who hire them'.

"But if you're going to use a separate company you need to be aware of what kind of policies they have, especially in a city like London."

A McDonald's security guard asked a Muslim women to remove her headscarf
@south_sab

The student was with her friend Sabrina at the Holloway Road restaurant in north London on November 30.

In video footage - recorded on her mobile phone - a security guard can be heard saying: "If you just don't mind taking it off."

To this, the woman replies: "It's not just a matter of taking it off, I wear it for religious reasons and I'm not ashamed of it.

"I live down the street," she said, adding: "This is a hate crime."

Speaking after the incident, she said: "You would expect someone of colour to be more sympathetic to a minority that is persecuted.

"That just reflects how current this issue is - almost anyone could actually believe that I am a security threat."

Her friend said a man, who could be seen defending the woman in the restaurant, was praised for stepping in.

“A white British national... stood up for her,” she said. “People on social media were praising the man who defended her.

"As a non-hijab wearing Muslim, I recognise my privilege in society. Discrimination that I might face isn't necessarily as overt.

"For a quiet, peaceful life, I wouldn't wear it."

Speaking to the BBC, the woman added that she would not be deterred from wearing a hijab in future.

She said: “It's my choice. If I want to cover my hair, I should have the right to cover my hair."

In statement, McDonald's apologised to the customer.

Chief executive Paul Pomry said: "I am deeply sorry that this happened, and am taking the matter very seriously.

"We welcome people of all faiths and do not have any policy which restricts or prevents anyone wearing a hijab, or any other religious attire, in our restaurants.

"The restaurant involved is managed and owned by Amir Atefi, a franchisee.

"Mr Atefi is proud of his diverse workforce, and was upset and concerned to hear how one of his valued customers has been treated."

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