In April 2012, author Kate Bornstein spoke about McDonald on MSNBC cable television program Melissa Harris-Perry, comparing McDonald's situation with George Zimmerman's in the aftermath of the shooting of Trayvon Martin regarding self-defense issues and how the case is viewed through the media focus [REF].
A May 2012 press release by McDonald's support committee said the sentencing proceedings included statements from community leaders, clergy and members of McDonald's family [REF].