Starbucks has removed the Jewish group the Anti-Defamation League from its racial bias following a backlash from activists.

The company will close 8,000 cafes for the afternoon on May 29 so 175,000 employees can undergo racial tolerance training.

The firm organized the session following the public outcry over two black men getting arrested for sitting at one of the tables without ordering a drink.

But the Anti-Defamation League, whose mission is to fight anti-Semitism, will not be present.

The civil rights organization will instead play an advisory role in the company's long-term efforts to combat discrimination.

The viral video that prompted the scandal showed police talking with the two black men while they were seated at a table. After several minutes they handcuff and led them away

Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks, said the company's sales have not been affected by the scandal

Jaime Riley, a Starbucks spokeswoman, told Politico that the group will not be involved in developing the curriculum for Starbucks mandatory anti-bias training, as originally planned.

'When Starbucks asked for assistance, we agreed to help,' ADL spokesman Todd Gutnick said to Politico. 'As to whether Starbucks may or may not now want to utilize our expertise, you should ask them.'

Activists had attacked Starbucks over the ADL's involvement, citing the ADL's support for Israel and its arms-length relationship to the Black Lives Matter movement.

'The ADL is CONSTANTLY attacking black and brown people,' Women's March organizer Tamika Mallory posted on Twitter. 'This is a sign that they are tone deaf and not committed to addressing the concerns of black folk.'

The training came in response to protests and calls for boycotts after the arrest of two black men waiting in a Philadelphia store sparking accusations of racial profiling at the chain.

On May 29 8,000 U.S. Starbucks stores will close so employees can take part in racial bias-awareness training

The controversy is the biggest public relations test yet for new Starbucks Chief Executive Kevin Johnson, who already was fighting to boost traffic to Starbucks amid competition from coffee sellers ranging from hipster cafes to fast-food chains and convenience stores.

'While this is not limited to Starbucks, we're committed to being a part of the solution,' said Johnson, a former technology executive who took the helm about a year ago.

The 8,000 temporary store closures will almost certainly have an impact on sales. Starbucks did not say how many hours the stores would be shuttered on May 29, but the afternoon is the slowest time for Starbucks' business.

Starbucks is one of the most high-profile and beloved brands in the world and its long-time CEO Howard Schultz was not one to shy away from difficult conversations over thorny issues such as gay marriage, gun control and Congressional gridlock.

Center of storm: Rashon Nelson (left) was meeting his friend Donte Robinson (right) in Starbucks in Philadelphia Center City when they were arrested, sparking national outrage

The incident sparked accusations of racial profiling at the coffee chain and prompted activists to start protesting at the Philadelphia store on April 16

However U.S. race relations have proven more challenging, even for a company that touts its diverse workforce - minorities account for 18 percent of Starbucks executives with the title of senior vice president or higher and 43 percent of employees overall.

Johnson has apologized for the 'reprehensible' arrests of the two men in Philadelphia and took personal responsibility for the incident, which was captured in a customer video that was shared widely.

A video of the arrest went viral, prompting a public backlash and the trending hashtag #BoycottStarbucks.

Starbucks attorneys said Johnson and the men, who were released without charges, have 'engaged in constructive discussions about this issue as well as what is happening in communities across the country.'