A Tennessee Harley-Davidson, Honda and Polaris dealer has got the sack over a Facebook post that said he was “sick of this black lives matter” and called for black people to go “back to Africa and stay”.

The sacking comes as Harley has also sacked 90 staff at their York Vehicle Operations in Pennsylvania where in March they temporarily suspending production over the pandemic.

The double-whammy sacking controversy comes amid the growing Black Lives Matter movement.

Dealer gets sack

Russell Abernathy (pictured above), who owns Abernathy’s Cycles in Union City deleted his post after it caused a wave of criticism on social media.

However, Polaris demanded he transfer ownership, Honda condemned the racist post and Harley said it was not good enough.

Harley issued this statement:

Racism, hate or intolerance have no place in our world including within the Harley-Davidson community, employees, dealers or riders. We recently became aware of racist comments posted on one of our dealer owner’s Facebook page and immediately started a review process. We will not tolerate this type of behavior in our network, and today we are announcing that the dealer owner in question will no longer be part of our dealer network. Harley-Davidson is committed to diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Abernathy claims his Facebook page which features a profile picture of him with a Harley in front of the Confederate flag was hacked.

Abernathy said on his website:

Regarding the social media post attributed to me 12/6/2020. I Russell Abernathy, did not post this comment and reject the content of it … I vow to make sure that Abernathy’s Harley-Davidson provides a positive environment for diversity, equality and inclusion for all.

The Black Lives Matter controversy follows the recent decision by Confederate Motorcycles to change its name to Combat Motors.

York workers sacked

Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson is sacking 90 workers at its York manufacturing plant, according to  spokesperson.

“As course of normal business, Harley-Davidson regularly adjusts its production plan and appropriately sizes its workforce,” they say.

“Today the company announced it will adjust its production volume, which will result in a workforce reduction of approximately 90 York employees.” 

The plant reopened a month ago after temporarily suspending production due to the pandemic.

Last month new Harley boss Jocehn Zeitz said they would produce fewer bikes to increase exclusivity.

“We are using this time to course correct and rewire the company in pursuit of making Harley-Davidson one of the most desirable brands in the world,” he said.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com