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Marriott International

MAR

Consumer Discretionary

6

exclusion reasons

5 themes

Corporate Misconduct (2) Animal Welfare (1) Harmful Products (1) Direct Harm (1) Labor Rights (1)
MAR Consumer Discretionary Current as of March 2026

Marriott International is screened out under 6 exclusion reasons spanning 5 issue categories.

This page is part of our public exclusion list — a transparency tool that shows which companies we screen out and why. It is not investment advice, and it is not an accusation. It is a statement of values.

Animal Exploitation
Since Mar 12, 2026

Marriott International has failed to meet its own public commitment to eliminate cages from its global egg supply chain. The company pledged in 2013 to go cage-free by the end of 2025 but continues to source eggs from hens confined in battery cages. This broken promise implicates Marriott’s vast global supply chain, which serves millions of meals annually across its hotel brands.

The company has also profited from animal entertainment. In April 2025, following a PETA US campaign featuring evidence of dying camels and beaten horses, Marriott agreed to remove animal rides from its operations at the Great Pyramids in Egypt. While this action addressed a specific venue, the broader sourcing of animal-derived products for its hospitality services remains a significant part of its operations.

Gambling Operations
Since Mar 8, 2026

Partnership with BetMGM for online sports betting and iGaming; casino operations management roles documented.

Preventable Deaths
Since Mar 8, 2026

$3.5M settlement for guest injury; wrongful death lawsuit after guest died from scalding burns at Fairfield by Marriott.

Anti-Union Activity
Since Mar 8, 2026

NLRB finding of Section 8(a)(1) violation; documented labor relations violation with $12,138 penalty.

Corruption & Fraud
Since Mar 8, 2026

Marriott International has been subject to enforcement action by the Federal Trade Commission for security failures that resulted in multiple data breaches. While these incidents represent significant regulatory violations, they pertain to data security and consumer protection rather than the specific corruption, bribery, or fraud activities defined under this exclusion category.

The company’s public compliance materials, including its Business Conduct Guide, extensively outline policies against bribery, corruption, and money laundering, citing laws like the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. These disclosures state that violations could result in significant civil and criminal penalties. However, a review of available public enforcement databases and news sources did not identify specific, settled cases or penalties related to bribery of government officials, corrupt dealings, or fraud in Marriott’s business operations that would meet the threshold for an active exclusion under this code.

This record is based on a general risk disclosure rather than documented misconduct. The evidence gathered is insufficient to support a narrative of proven corruption.

Political Influence
Since Mar 8, 2026

Marriott International participates in the political process through its corporate political action committee (Marriott International, Inc. PAC), which makes federal campaign contributions. The company’s stated policy is to engage in political activity to promote its business interests.

However, this political engagement occurs alongside a pattern of regulatory failures concerning consumer protection. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a notice of intention to fine Marriott £99.2 million for infringements of data protection law related to a major breach. Separately, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action against Marriott in 2024 for security failures leading to multiple data breaches. In 2023, the company dismissed reports of guest surveillance at a franchised property in Poland as “unfounded” allegations. This record of significant regulatory penalties and defensive posturing in the face of consumer harm raises questions about whether the company’s political activities are leveraged to shield its operations from accountability for such practices.

Research Sources 13 organizations

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Companies appear on our exclusion list based on our investment judgment — not because they've done anything illegal. This is a difference of values and opinion, not an accusation of wrongdoing. Exclusion does not constitute a recommendation against investing in any company, and absence from the list does not constitute a recommendation to invest.

This information is provided for educational and transparency purposes only and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Data is drawn from independent watchdogs, NGOs, government registries, and Ethical Capital's ongoing research — see Research Sources for the full list.

Ethical Capital LLC is a state-registered investment adviser in Utah (CRD #316032). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.