A recent incident at a Panda Express in Lakewood, Washington, has sparked outrage and calls for a nationwide boycott of the popular fast-food chain. The situation unfolded on May 10, 2026, when conservative influencer Chris Sims and his friend, Danny Rebel, visited the restaurant while wearing red MAGA hats to show support for former President Donald Trump. Their visit took a troubling turn as employees confronted them about their attire, prompting the pair to document the experience live on social media.
Sims noted that while placing their orders, a cook began to stare at them disapprovingly. Rather than ignore the hostility, Sims responded with a thumbs up, a move that seemed to only escalate tensions. Employees informed them they needed to leave, and as they exited, Sims overheard staff members calling the police, falsely claiming the men had refused to leave the premises.
The entire ordeal, captured on livestream, served as evidence contradicting the restaurant’s narrative. As Sims and Rebel stood on a public sidewalk continuing to stream, two employees pursued them, seemingly attempting to intimidate them further. The arrival of four police units, prompted by the call for help, concluded without any charges being laid against the men; officers found no wrongdoing and dismissed the situation with laughter. Notably, the individual who made the original call to the police became emotional upon realizing the gravity of the misunderstanding.
Panda Express issued a statement addressing the incident, indicating that a review was underway. The statement emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring a welcoming environment for every customer. However, this vague assurance raises concerns about whether the employees involved will face any meaningful consequences for their actions. The disparity between the company’s public relations efforts and the treatment of its patrons has left many feeling dissatisfied.
In the days following the incident, social media users quickly expressed their intent to boycott Panda Express. Comments ranged from simple declarations of withdrawal of patronage to humorous alternatives, such as preferring competitors like “China Moon” over Panda Express. Many expressed a sentiment that businesses should not engage in political discrimination, with one user asserting, “Go woke, go broke.” This sentiment has been echoed across various platforms, prompting discussions about the implications of such behavior by businesses towards their customers.
The community response suggests that the fallout may have lasting effects on the establishment. A user even proposed organizing a flag-waving event outside the restaurant in protest. Others have urged Sims and Rebel to explore legal avenues against the franchise for discrimination based on their political beliefs.
This incident serves as a vivid reflection of deeper societal tensions surrounding free expression and the actions of businesses in today’s highly polarized climate. As Panda Express navigates the aftermath, it remains to be seen how the company will manage its public image in light of the events and whether it will listen to the voices of dissatisfied customers.
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