Yep. I don’t understand why companies don’t just stay out of these controversies. Just tell the activists to get stuffed. Take the position that you don’t take positions, and that advertising is done purely to reach customers, so you advertise where customers are.
True story:
In the early 60’s, my family took a vacation drive thru Florida - BDW (Before Disney World). We stopped at a Hardee’s for Lunch. Within an hour, we were all ill & in serious need of a toilet. Back then, few places had a public restroom.
In almost 50 years, I have NEVER set foot in a Hardee’s.
Since then, I have added a few more to my Hardee’s List. Arby’s just made the list.
If they want to take a corporate political position beyond their own industry, then I am free to take a political position against them. Simple as that.