Steve Easterbrook, 54, had been sued by the company at the time of his 2019 dismissal. But in a deal announced yesterday, McDonald's has agreed to drop its lawsuit. Mr Easterbrook, McDonald's then Chicago-based head, was sacked after a consensual relationship with an employee which flouted company policy.

       An internal probe claimed the father of three had several relationships with employees and possessed dozens of nude or sexually explicit photos and videos.

       McDonald's chairman Enrique Hernandez said the firm wanted to hold its ex-boss "accountable for his lies and misconduct", and the settlement had achieved its goal.

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