After posting a series of Facebook messages over several days mocking the protests against racial injustice sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Dave Andelman, CEO of Phantom Gourmet and co-owner of Mendon Twin Drive-In, issued an apology Saturday.
While his Facebook page is now private, screenshots of the messages were shared by people across social media, some calling for people to complain to WBZ, the station that airs the “Phantom Gourmet.”
“Excited to open Chaz (formerly Seattle) Drive-in: America’s Most Looted Drive-In,” Andelman wrote in one post over the past few days.
Another post from Friday read, “We don’t take a knee here. This is America, not Game of Thrones. Your desperate need for approval, from those who hate cops and country regardless, is pathetic. Have a great day!”
Other posts mentioned “defund potatoes, not police” and suggested Back Bay restaurants offer “touchless, curbside looting.”
Andelman issued an apology Saturday on the Phantom Gourmet Facebook page.
“I want to apologize. I maintain my own Facebook Page,” he wrote. “I made comments on that page that were inappropriate, hurtful, and wrong regarding the Boston protests. I support everyone’s right to free speech and free assembly. I, too, desire racial and social justice. My record of philanthropy and business reflects this.”
Andelman asked for people’s forgiveness and said that he made a mistake.
“I apologize. I feel terrible. We all make mistakes. And I ask for your forgiveness,” he wrote.
The post on the Phantom Gourmet Facebook page had more than 2,700 comments as of Sunday morning around 9:45 a.m.
