Grocery Giant Distances From Rally-Funding Heiress

Newsweek reports:

Supermarket chain Publix is seemingly trying to distance itself from heiress Julie Jenkins Fancelli, who is one of Publix’s founder George W. Jenkins’ seven children, following reports that she was a key funder in the January 6 rally, which culminated in rioters storming the United States Capitol.

Following the article’s publication, some people called on Publix for a response to the heiress’ reported involvement. The company’s official response, received by Newsweek, said that Fancelli isn’t an employee or a representative for the chain. It also denounced the violence at the Capitol.

The company’s statement is brief:

Mrs. Fancelli is not an employee of Publix Super Markets, and is neither involved in our business operations, nor does she represent the company in any way. We cannot comment on Mrs. Fancelli’s actions. The violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6 was a national tragedy. The deplorable actions that occurred that day do not represent the values, work or opinions of Publix Super Markets.

Publix also faced scrutiny earlier this week when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis granted the company a statewide exclusive vaccination contract following their $100,000 donation to his campaign committee.

The exclusive contract has already been rolled back in at least one county, rather notably, Palm Beach County.

The Florida-based company has 1250 locations in seven states, more than half of which are in Florida. With nearly 200,000 employees, Publix is employee-owned and regularly ranks near the top of “best places to work” lists.

Calls to boycott Publix are dominating social media today with the company trending at #1 on Twitter since the Wall Street Journal report was published.