• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Current price of oil as of June 15, 2026

2

Meet Gwynne Shotwell, the engineer-turned-COO who runs SpaceX in platform heels and is now worth over $2 billion

3

Current price of silver as of Monday, June 15, 2026

1

Current price of oil as of June 15, 2026

2

Meet Gwynne Shotwell, the engineer-turned-COO who runs SpaceX in platform heels and is now worth over $2 billion

3

Current price of silver as of Monday, June 15, 2026
SuccessMcDonald's
Europe

Multimillionaire Swedish pop star ripped for classist McDonald’s comments: ‘No one is lesser than you for working a fast-food job’

Orianna Rosa Royle
By
Orianna Rosa Royle
Orianna Rosa Royle
Associate Editor, Success
Down Arrow Button Icon
Orianna Rosa Royle
By
Orianna Rosa Royle
Orianna Rosa Royle
Associate Editor, Success
Down Arrow Button Icon
June 12, 2023, 7:16 AM ET
Zara Larsson performs at a concert
Instead of her acting debut taking center stage, the pop star’s “classist” comment about McDonald’s employees is raising eyebrows. Paul Morigi—Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

The Swedish pop star Zara Larsson is making headlines—but not for the reasons she’d probably hope. Instead of her emerging acting career taking center stage, it’s her “classist” comment about working for McDonald’s that is raising eyebrows. 

Recommended Video

The Swedish singer turned actress, with a reported net worth of $10 million, is making her Netflix debut in the film A Part of You later this year and was responding to a fan’s negative reaction to a recent interview. 

A Twitter user described Larsson’s decision to discuss dipping her toes into acting with the social-media-first pop culture news site Pop Crave as “the lowest someone can fall.”

“Ok but here you are seeing it so I guess it worked,” Larsson said in defense of the move, while adding that the title has always been supportive of her career. 

She signed off the tweet with: “I heard McDonald’s wanted to interview you for new shifts <3.”

Ok but here you are seeing it so I guess it worked and Popcrave have always been genuinely supportive of me so why wouldn’t I give them my time? I heard McDonald’s wanted to interview you for new shifts <3 https://t.co/H7PNaJpdkQ

— Zara Larsson (@zaralarsson) June 10, 2023

While some of Larsson’s loyal fans praised the star’s “sick clapback,” many condemned the comments for making fun of the working class and suggesting that working at a fast-food chain is something to be ashamed of. 

“No one is lesser than you for working a fast-food job my love,” one fan wrote, with another adding: “See I was with you until you used working at McDonald’s as a put down as if you’re better than a McDonald’s worker.”

One fan described the jab as “completely unnecessary”: “Why do you have to drag in the working class tho?” 

making fun of working class jobs EXCELLENT. you’re a genius

— . (@sohodoll4) June 11, 2023

Some critics pointed out that Larsson’s comments could alienate some of her own fans who work at the food chain. Meanwhile, others suggested it was ironic that the star would give career advice to someone questioning her own career choices. 

McDonald’s has not responded to Fortune’s request for comment.

Fast-food workers belittled

This is far from the first time that fast-food workers have been belittled. Coming from the other side of the discussion, one McDonald’s employee went viral last year for highlighting how she’s treated simply for doing her job.

In a video that has racked up over 635,000 views on TikTok, Aleeza (@aleezalowery) recalled an angry customer throwing pennies at her and mocking her line of work after she refused to accept his fake $50 bill.

@aleezalowery

ATTENTION ‼️‼️‼️‼️

♬ original sound – HeyPooh 🙈

“Just because I work at McDonald’s does not make me less of a person,” she said, while urging others to be more respectful of McDonald’s employees

Aleeza’s experience resonated with many users, with one commenting that she quit her McDonald’s gig after three years for that very reason: “Best decision I made.”

“I feel you, it’s like at least I have a job? Who cares if you work at McDonald’s or any fast-food joint,” another said. “If it pays the bills then you’re doing well.”

“A job is a job,” another added. “My aunt was a manager at McDonald’s & raised several children off of a McDonald’s paycheck.”

The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.
About the Author
Orianna Rosa Royle
By Orianna Rosa RoyleAssociate Editor, Success
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Orianna Rosa Royle is the Success associate editor at Fortune, overseeing careers, leadership, and company culture coverage. She was previously the senior reporter at Management Today, Britain's longest-running publication for CEOs. 

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Success

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.


Latest in Success

UX UI designers working together
SuccessCareers
Marketing jobs are among the most exposed to AI. Adobe and LinkedIn are teaming up to ensure the industry is upskilled—not replaced
By Preston ForeJune 16, 2026
2 hours ago
Ricardo Pepi
SuccessCareers
Team USA star Ricardo Pepi grew up in a trailer in El Paso—and his parents pawned their car title to fuel his soccer dream. Now, he’s in the World Cup
By Preston ForeJune 15, 2026
18 hours ago
NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson
SuccessCareers
Jalen Brunson just led the Knicks to an NBA title—and credits his famous dad’s work ethic for preparing him for the job
By Emma BurleighJune 15, 2026
18 hours ago
Michelle Obama clarifies her famous ‘Go high’ motto: It’s not about anger or pain, but more like putting a safety lock on a gun
SuccessMost Powerful Women
Michelle Obama clarifies her famous ‘Go high’ motto: It’s not about anger or pain, but more like putting a safety lock on a gun
By Sydney LakeJune 15, 2026
19 hours ago
Rich-kid summer camp now runs up to $17,000—and comes with 15 tennis courts, podcasting classes, and parents who bring the housekeeper
Travel & LeisureWealth
Rich-kid summer camp now runs up to $17,000—and comes with 15 tennis courts, podcasting classes, and parents who bring the housekeeper
By Brendan Cosgrove and Morning BrewJune 15, 2026
20 hours ago
nyc
Arts & EntertainmentNew York City
Eruption of Knicks mania in Manhattan includes 17-year-old getting shot on 42nd street
By Michael R. Sisak, Shelby Lum and The Associated PressJune 15, 2026
20 hours ago

Most Popular

Current price of oil as of June 15, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 15, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 15, 2026
20 hours ago
Meet Gwynne Shotwell, the engineer-turned-COO who runs SpaceX in platform heels and is now worth over $2 billion
Startups & Venture
Meet Gwynne Shotwell, the engineer-turned-COO who runs SpaceX in platform heels and is now worth over $2 billion
By Eva RoytburgJune 15, 2026
1 day ago
Current price of silver as of Monday, June 15, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of silver as of Monday, June 15, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 15, 2026
20 hours ago
Boomers actually do hold most of the wealth and power. So why do they call it 'whiny' to point that out?
Economy
Boomers actually do hold most of the wealth and power. So why do they call it 'whiny' to point that out?
By Nick LichtenbergJune 14, 2026
2 days ago
CEO of $20 billion AI firm Perplexity says the secret to success is ‘sleeping with that fear’ that your competitor will steal your idea
Success
CEO of $20 billion AI firm Perplexity says the secret to success is ‘sleeping with that fear’ that your competitor will steal your idea
By Preston ForeJune 13, 2026
3 days ago
AI job disruption is here. The problem may be compounded because nearly 75% of people don't apply for unemployment benefits
AI
AI job disruption is here. The problem may be compounded because nearly 75% of people don't apply for unemployment benefits
By Jacqueline MunisJune 14, 2026
2 days ago