KFC Apologises to TikTok Star for Mocking Stammer

Published: 21 November 2025 Friday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Jessie Yendle, a Welsh TikTok influencer known online as Mimidarlingbeauty, says she feels “mocked” after a KFC franchise in North Macedonia used a clip of her stammer in a social media post that has since been deleted.

Yendle, from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, told the media she is “really disappointed” that brands are still not more aware of speech impediments. She has a following of 3.5 million on TikTok and has spent years raising awareness about stammering.

In the video posted by KFC Macedonia, Jessie is seen struggling to pronounce a sound as she stammers, before the clip transitions into a promotional sequence of KFC products. Jessie said she felt the video reduced her identity to her speech impediment, adding, “I’m so much more than that. My platform has given me a voice.”

This is not the first time brands have misused clips of her stammer. In September, German football club Borussia Dortmund apologised for a similar video, and triathlon organiser Ironman also issued an apology, admitting they “should have done proper research before jumping on what we thought was a social media trend.”

Speaking about the personal challenges she faces, Jessie said, “I’ve had the phone put down on me when I’ve tried to order a pizza because the staff thought I was making a prank call. Being visible on social media has come at my own expense, but I want to provoke change.”

A KFC spokesperson said: “We are truly sorry that this happened and have reached out directly to Jessie to apologise for the hurt she has experienced. Mocking someone for their stammer is simply wrong and totally unacceptable. Everyone should feel welcome, valued, and safe at KFC.”

The spokesperson added that KFC would contact Stamma, a UK charity supporting people who stammer, to ensure training and awareness are implemented across its franchises, including North Macedonia.

This incident highlights the ongoing need for brands to understand speech impediments and handle online content responsibly, respecting the dignity and voice of influencers like Jessie Yendle.