Papa John’s Founder Launches Site to Fight Board That Ousted Him | Eater

"Once the founder and largest shareholder of the pizza chain, John Schnatter has been banned from the company after a leaked phone call in which he used racist and derogatory language; he later resigned as CEO and chairman amid those revelations and amid allegations that he promoted a "bro-culture" and engaged in sexual misconduct, which he denies. He launched a personal website urging employees and franchisees to back him and claiming the board is trying to silence him, and sent a personal note apologizing and expressing concern for staff. The company, which employs about 120,000 people worldwide, has seen sliding sales and reported a loss in July; leadership says it is offering financial assistance to franchisees to prevent closures during the controversy. Company officials assert that stakeholders support separating the brand from him and are confident the board's actions will help move the business forward." - Daniela Galarza