DiscoverThe Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating ThingsMcDonald's hot coffee case: Why Everything You Think You Know About Stella Liebeck Is Wrong
McDonald's hot coffee case: Why Everything You Think You Know About Stella Liebeck Is Wrong

McDonald's hot coffee case: Why Everything You Think You Know About Stella Liebeck Is Wrong

Update: 2025-06-03
Share

Description

In this episode of the Compendium, we unravel the real story behind the McDonald's hot coffee case—a tale often misrepresented in the media. Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, suffered third-degree burns from coffee served at dangerously high temperatures. Despite seeking a modest settlement, McDonald's offered only $800, leading to a lawsuit that highlighted issues of corporate negligence and consumer rights. We delve into how big business and media narratives distorted the facts, turning a legitimate claim into a symbol of "frivolous lawsuits." This case became a catalyst for American tort reform debates, revealing the profound impact of corporate influence in politics.​

 

We give you just the Compendium, but if you want more, here are our resources:



Host & Show Info

  • Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox

  • About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.

  • Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin


Community & Calls to Action

📤 Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

McDonald's hot coffee case: Why Everything You Think You Know About Stella Liebeck Is Wrong

McDonald's hot coffee case: Why Everything You Think You Know About Stella Liebeck Is Wrong

Bleav + Kyle Risi + Adam Cox