One in three Canadians say hate speech spreads faster online because of protest videos. This is the story of Mai Abdulhadi, a former Second Cup owner. She was seen in videos from a Nov. 21, 2024 protest outside Concordia University. This article gathers verified and current information for Canada news readers.
She faces three counts of uttering threats, according to court documents. Peter Mammas, Foodtastic’s CEO, confirmed she is the person in the videos. Abdulhadi ran two cafés at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital. Second Cup Canada ended her franchise and closed the cafés due to hate speech.
The videos show antisemitic remarks and a Nazi salute. CBC and Radio‑Canada reviewed the videos. Police had not confirmed an arrest, but Radio‑Canada sources said one was made. This article focuses on confirmed details and context.
Abdulhadi is known as a Palestinian architect and fashion model. She is also seen as a modest fashion icon and Middle Eastern influencer. Her identities and business ties make this case significant beyond one campus protest.
This article provides a clear account of the events, charges, and corporate response. It aims to give concise, sourced information as the story unfolds.
Overview of the Case and Why It Matters in Canada
This case is about a protest in Canada, free speech, and safety at public events. It’s big because it affects schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. The outcome is important for trust in communities.
Context of the November 2024 Montreal protest
The event happened on Nov. 21, 2024, during a pro-Palestinian rally outside Concordia University. A woman used a phrase and gave a salute linked to Nazi Germany. This made a big impact on students and the city.
People saw the videos during the Gaza war, when feelings are intense. The clips were shared widely, making the rally a key topic in Canada.
Public interest and community impact
Many were concerned because of the hate speech and safety worries. Montrealers saw how it affected businesses, hospitals, and schools. They had to make tough decisions about policies and security.
The impact was felt far beyond the rally. Actions by Foodtastic and Second Cup worried staff and families at the Jewish General Hospital. This deepened the debate in the city.
Why this roundup post focuses on verified details
This summary uses court documents, CBC/Radio-Canada reports, and Foodtastic statements. It sticks to what’s confirmed and notes that accusations are not proven in court.
By focusing on verified facts, the post aims to inform without stirring up trouble. It supports understanding, reduces rumors, and helps readers see the impact in a careful, fact-based way.
Charges Filed and Legal Status
Mai Abdulhadi, a Palestinian architect, is named in court documents from the Nov. 21, 2024, protest near Concordia University in Montreal. Canadian law says everyone is innocent until proven guilty. The legal status shows charges have been laid, but more steps are needed.
Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm: three counts
Prosecutors in Montreal have filed a charge sheet against Abdulhadi. He faces three counts of uttering threats to cause death or harm. These charges are linked to the Concordia University protest.
Media reports say each count happened on the same day. The details are in the court registry. It’s noted that these are separate charges on the same docket.
Allegations not proven in court
News outlets mention that the allegations are not proven in court. Canadian law says a person is innocent until a judge or jury decides.
Right now, the legal status is that the case is ongoing. No verdict has been made yet. The facts will be decided in court.
What court documents and prosecutors have stated
Prosecutors have confirmed the three counts and their link to the Nov. 21 events. Court documents name Abdulhadi, 40, and list the counts under the Criminal Code for uttering threats.
Some reports mentioned arrest information from Radio-Canada. But Montreal police had not confirmed an arrest at that time. The case will go back to court on a future date set by the registry. This keeps the presumption of innocence intact.
Timeline of Key Events
This timeline follows the events from the Nov. 21 protest to the Nov. 24 statement and arrest reports. It shows what happened on video, how brands reacted, and when prosecutors in Montreal released a charge sheet.
Nov. 21, 2024: Demonstration outside Concordia University
On Nov. 21, a protest near Concordia University caught attention. Videos showed a woman making antisemitic comments and a Nazi-style gesture. CBC journalists quickly shared this footage online.
Soon after, Foodtastic’s CEO, Peter Mammas, watched the videos. He identified the person as Mai Abdulhadi, a Second Cup franchisee. Abdulhadi ran two cafés at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital. Some people also talked about architectural photos of the campus, but the main focus was on the video.
Nov. 24, 2024: Second Cup’s public statement
On Nov. 24, Second Cup Canada made a strong statement. They said they had no tolerance for hate speech. They ended the franchise agreement, closed the hospital cafés, and kept staff employed during the transition.
This decision came after Foodtastic reviewed the Nov. 21 protest videos. It showed how quickly a brand can change its stance after verifying facts.
Subsequent arrest reports and charge confirmation
After Second Cup’s statement, Radio-Canada reported an arrest. But police didn’t confirm it at that time. Later, other media outlets also reported on the arrest.
A charge sheet from Montreal’s crown prosecutor listed three counts of uttering threats. These charges matched the timeline and were the latest update in public records.
Video Evidence Circulating on Social Media
On Nov. 21, videos from a rally quickly spread online. Journalists and viewers closely examined them. This video evidence was key in how the story was told in Canada.
Statements captured on video and their historical meaning
A clip shows a woman saying something linked to the Holocaust. Her words are seen as antisemitic, tied to Nazi Germany’s plan to kill Jewish people.
The phrase, though brief, is clear and alarming. Experts agree on its meaning, sparking immediate concern.
Alleged Nazi salute seen in footage
Another video seems to show the woman doing a Nazi salute. The gesture, seen from the side, matches what many have described.
These images were shared online for people to verify. They helped confirm what was visible to everyone.
Verification by Foodtastic’s president and CEO
After looking into it, Foodtastic’s leader said a franchisee was in the protest. Staff also recognized her, backing up the company’s actions.
The fast spread of these videos raised questions about everyone involved. It also sparked talks about a Palestinian fashion model at related protests.
| Element Reviewed | What the Footage Shows | How It Was Verified | Public Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spoken Phrase | Words widely recognized as antisemitic remarks with ties to the Holocaust | Cross-checked by CBC viewing, timestamp matching, and audio clarity checks | Heightened concern across communities and rapid institutional responses |
| Gesture | Alleged Nazi salute recorded from multiple angles | Frame-by-frame comparisons and social media verification using stills | Escalated reporting and public calls for accountability |
| Identity | Franchisee identified as Mai Abdulhadi in the circulated clips | Confirmation by Foodtastic leadership and employee recognition | Corporate decisions and wider debate on standards for brand partners |
| Context | Protest setting with varied participants, including a Palestinian fashion model at related events | Comparative review of posts, dates, and locations to avoid misattribution | Broader discussion on protest speech and documentation ethics |
Second Cup and Foodtastic’s Corporate Response
Foodtastic, the owner of Second Cup Canada, acted fast after seeing protest footage. They confirmed the franchisee’s identity and took steps based on brand standards and community expectations. They showed a strong stance against hate speech in their network.
Franchise termination and zero-tolerance policy
On 24 November, Second Cup Canada announced they were terminating the franchise. Foodtastic said this was to uphold franchise obligations and values. They highlighted their commitment to brand standards and a strict no-tolerance policy for hate speech.
Closure of two café locations at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital
Foodtastic worked with Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital to close the two cafés. They said this was a temporary measure until new management is in place. The goal was to keep services available while maintaining brand integrity.
Commitments to staff during transition
Second Cup Canada promised to keep staff at the hospital cafés employed and paid during the transition. Foodtastic also stated that employees would be rehired when the cafés reopen. This move was seen as a way to support both staff and hospital visitors.
Note on public discourse: references in wider debate to a Palestinian style icon appeared in parallel coverage, but the corporate actions remained focused on policy and compliance.
Mai Abdulhadi
Mai Abdulhadi, 40, is the Second Cup franchisee linked to a Nov. 21, 2024 event near Concordia University. Foodtastic confirmed she was seen making antisemitic remarks and an alleged Nazi salute on video. The company ended her franchise and closed two locations at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital.
They said staff would get support during the change. Mai is also known as a Palestinian architect. Her work includes design, art, and urban planning.
But, the case focuses on her role as a franchisee and the video. Legal actions are ongoing, and the allegations are not proven yet.
Protest Background and Student Activism
In Montreal, November weeks saw a surge in student activism. People gathered near schools, showing urgency and order. Social media quickly shared clips, influencing how schools and the public reacted.
Calls to divest from companies with ties to Israel
At Concordia, McGill, and Université de Montréal, students pushed for divestment campaigns. They wanted boards to check investments in defence and surveillance. This move linked finance to ethics, touching on the war in Gaza and Canadian discourse on human rights.
Students pointed to U.S. and UK campuses for inspiration. They said quick action was possible with sustained pressure. Faculty members supported this with letters and teach-ins.
Student strikes across CEGEPs and universities
CEGEP strikes, like at Cégep du Vieux Montréal and Dawson College, turned into walkouts. University protests followed, with sit-ins and pickets. This showed strong ties between student unions and community groups.
Organizers focused on safety and accessibility. They set up support for translation and accessibility. This aimed to keep the movement inclusive and peaceful.
Wider context of the war in Gaza and Canadian discourse
The Concordia rally happened during a heated debate on the war in Gaza. Politicians, campus leaders, and advocacy groups weighed in. This shaped Canadian discourse on free speech and anti-hate norms.
This debate caught the attention of arts and culture circles. Some awards bodies and juries started to consider social impact. This included even architectural awards. Rally footage quickly spread, prompting quick responses from institutions.
Through these events, a clear message emerged. Student activism connected campus issues to global problems. Divestment campaigns, CEGEP strikes, and university protests gave these connections a visible form. The scene was charged, with messages, risks, and rights constantly being negotiated.
Community and Advocacy Reactions
In Montreal, groups and neighbors spoke out quickly. They talked about safety, fairness, and staying calm. The debate online and on the streets was about Canadian values during a heated hate speech argument.
Statements from Jewish advocacy groups
B’nai Brith Canada welcomed an arrest and praised the SPVM’s fast action. They said it shows Canadian values. They believe strong responses are key when protests turn to threats.
Other groups agreed and called for watchfulness. They used verified videos and news, like this story of the hospital café incident, to ask for accountability without stirring up trouble.
Law enforcement acknowledgment and public safety messaging
The SPVM asked witnesses to share what they saw and explained how they decide next steps. They stressed public safety, saying free speech has limits when it intimidates or threatens.
Police also talked about the importance of proof. They said clear timelines, matching videos, and consistent stories help build strong cases and fair decisions.
Public debate on hate speech and Canadian values
The hate speech debate went beyond the protest. Students, faith leaders, and a popular fashion blogger in Montreal wondered how to handle speech that could harm.
People talked about where the law stands and how schools, brands, and police can work together. The main point was to protect safety and rights, and do it in a way that shows Canadian values.
Business and Brand Reputation Implications
Second Cup and Foodtastic acted quickly to protect their brand after the protest footage went viral. They made it clear they have zero tolerance for hate speech. This aligns with their values of safety, inclusion, and community.
In a hospital setting, this message aimed to reassure consumers. It also helped reduce business risk due to increased public scrutiny.
The decision to end the franchise agreement and close two cafés at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital highlighted franchise compliance. The company ensured staff were taken care of during the transition. This showed they cared about both operations and ethics.
This situation shows how fast a brand’s image can change with viral videos. The visuals, like middle eastern aesthetics, quickly spread online. They influenced how people saw the brand and its values.
These visuals were seen as a reflection of the company’s values. This had a big impact on consumer trust and how people viewed the business risk.
| Factor | Brand Objective | Noted Action by Second Cup/Foodtastic | Likely Stakeholder Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand reputation | Stabilize perception in sensitive settings | Ended franchise and closed two hospital cafés | Decisive protection of patients, staff, and visitors |
| Crisis response | Contain online fallout and media cycles | Public zero-tolerance stance on hate speech | Swift values-led posture during a volatile moment |
| Franchise compliance | Align operations with corporate policy | Immediate enforcement of franchise terms | Clear signal to current and future operators |
| Corporate values | Reinforce inclusion and community standards | Messaging tied to safety and respect | Higher expectation for conduct at branded sites |
| Consumer trust | Maintain comfort in everyday visits | Employee retention and pay continuity during transition | Service stability despite store closures |
| Business risk | Reduce legal, reputational, and operational exposure | Rapid review of governance and public statements | Lower chance of prolonged backlash |
| Contextual signals | Understand how visuals frame narratives | Monitoring of viral footage with middle eastern aesthetics | Faster read on sentiment and expectations |
Key takeaway for Canadian operators: policy clarity, empathetic messaging, and firm franchise compliance often travel together when safeguarding a name in the public eye.
Media Coverage and Source Verification
Major news outlets handled the Nov. 21 footage with great care. CBC News and Radio-Canada said they watched the clips and checked them against their newsroom standards before sharing. They stressed the importance of giving people the benefit of the doubt and relying on solid evidence, not just rumors.
What CBC and other outlets reported
Reports mentioned a charge sheet from the Montreal crown prosecutor’s office. It listed three counts of making threats to harm someone. CBC News explained how the case started from social media videos after a Montreal protest. Radio-Canada also shared details about an arrest, but noted the police’s initial silence.
How videos were reviewed and attributed
Newsrooms carefully checked each video’s source. They looked at timestamps, locations, and angles. Foodtastic’s team also reviewed the social media footage. Their president, Peter Mammas, confirmed the person in the videos was franchisee Mai Abdulhadi.
Outlets detailed their methods for ensuring the accuracy of their reports. They cross-checked with court documents and official statements.
Limits of publicly available information
Coverage highlighted the usual delays in getting information. At one point, Montreal police hadn’t confirmed an arrest that Radio-Canada had reported. CBC News and others were careful with their language, sticking to what they could verify.
They only mentioned the person’s social media posts when they were relevant and true. This approach helped maintain the integrity of their reporting.
| Outlet | What Was Reviewed | Verification Steps | Status Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBC News | Social media footage from Nov. 21 protest | Viewed clips; matched visuals to location; checked charge sheet | Confirmed three counts; arrest not publicly confirmed at first |
| Radio-Canada | Same protest videos and court documents | Source verification with reporters; cross-checked prosecutorial records | Reported an arrest via sources; noted limits in police updates |
| Foodtastic | Clips reviewed by operations team | Internal review; public statement by Peter Mammas on attribution | Corporate action referenced in coverage; allegations unproven in court |
| Other outlets | Republished or summarized social media footage | Relied on CBC News, Radio-Canada, and court filings for evidence standards | Echoed presumption of innocence and careful attribution |
Conclusion
This case summary wraps up the main facts that sparked a big debate in Canada. Videos from November 21, 2024 showed antisemitic comments and a Nazi salute at a Montreal protest. The person involved, Mai Abdulhadi, is a well-known middle eastern influencer and Palestinian style icon.
Her actions led to her being fired from Second Cup and the closure of two cafés at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital. The staff there are now protected.
Court documents reveal three counts of uttering threats to cause harm. These allegations are not proven yet, and the case is ongoing. Groups like B’nai Brith Canada praised the police actions.
But many also called for caution and due process. The event sparked a bigger talk on hate speech, public safety, and Canadian values. It also touched on campus activism and the war in Gaza.
This summary is a clear record of what we know and what’s yet to be decided in court. It covers Foodtastic and Second Cup’s actions, the impact of social media, and the legal framework. As the case moves forward, Canada’s response will continue to evolve.
In short, this case shows a clash between protest politics and accountability. It highlights how a well-known figure can challenge policies and trust. The courts will decide next, while the public debates the conduct, evidence, and consequences in Canada.