Chipotle distances itself from Bill Ackman after ICE donation sparks boycott calls

Core Viewpoint - Chipotle has distanced itself from billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman following his $10,000 donation to a fundraiser for an ICE agent involved in a fatal shooting, which has led to calls for a boycott of the restaurant chain [1][5][8]. Company Response - Chipotle issued a statement clarifying that Bill Ackman is "not affiliated" with the company, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding his political activism and previous investment history with the chain [2][8]. - The statement was a direct response to online backlash and misinformation suggesting that Ackman was still an owner or major investor in Chipotle [6][8]. Background on Ackman's Involvement - Ackman was previously a significant shareholder in Chipotle, holding a 9.9% stake and investing over $1 billion during a period of crisis for the company due to food-safety scandals [9][12]. - His involvement was marked by aggressive advocacy for management reforms and board changes, which contributed to a turnaround in Chipotle's performance [9][12]. - By late 2025, Ackman's hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, had fully exited its investment in Chipotle, ending nearly a decade of involvement [12][13].