Danish bioscience company Chr Hansen announced on Tuesday it had removed a rainbow symbol honoring the LGBT+ community from its social media following threats against its US subsidiary, underscoring the tense atmosphere on the issue across the Atlantic, AFP reported.

“We removed the rainbow flag from our social media on June 13. We took this step to protect the American side of the company and our American employees who have been subjected to serious threats and aggressive accusations,” company spokesman Vinny Buegel told AFP.

“We regret that we have reached such a painful situation,” she added.

Company Chr. Hansen, which specializes in ingredients, enzymes and probiotics, has nearly 4,000 employees worldwide, primarily in Denmark, Germany, France and the United States.

“The United States is currently facing a wave of boycotts and threats of violence in many sectors against companies that openly support gay pride,” including Hr. Hansen, Buegel said.

At the end of May, US retailer Target announced it was removing products dedicated to the LGBT+ community from its shelves due to similar threats.

In Copenhagen Kr. Hansen supported gay pride in 2022. He is expected to support the event again this year, but obviously not in the same way as last year.