Prominent Dubai Chef’s Anti-Islam Tweets Have Caused Major Offense Online
Prominent Indian chef Atul Kochhar is being blasted for an anti-Islam tweet.
The British based chef, who lends his name to the popular Rang Mahal Indian restaurant at the JW Marriott Marquis hotel, weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding a TV show starring Priyanka Chopra.
In an episode of ‘Quantico’, Hindu nationalists were portrayed as terrorists
The portrayal sparked outrage and star Priyanka Chopra tweeted to apologise for the sentiment of the episode.
I’m extremely saddened and sorry that some sentiments have been hurt by a recent episode of Quantico. That was not and would never be my intention. I sincerely apologise. I’m a proud Indian and that will never change.
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) June 9, 2018
TV chef Atul Kochhar jumped into the conversation and his since-deleted tweet caused major backlash
In the initial tweet he wrote:
“Its sad that you have not respected the sentiments of Hindus who have terrorised by Islam over 2000 years. Shame on you”
غرد هالتغريده ومسحها .. pic.twitter.com/40KDRWVybA
— أحمد خليفة (@_A_khalifa) June 11, 2018
The chef has since apologised for the tweet
But the reaction to his response has been mixed
People are offended and calling for restaurant boycotts
Oh, since his business is threatened and now he apologizes. I say to all Muslim fellows is to boycott his butter chicken and daal! He is just another BJP Indian who doesn’t understand the history we gave to his kind!
— omair rahim (@rames101) June 11, 2018
To saddened
And yet you’re offering Iftar during the Holy Month of Ramadan in your Dubai restaurant. Saddened to see this today. #hypocrisy
— Maxine English (@MissMaxine) June 11, 2018
Many think the apology wasn’t enough
You apologise for what? For the error of referring a wrong history period of Islam or for being an obvious Islamophobe? Even your apology does not appear an apology.
— Omair Anas (@omairanas) June 11, 2018
It doesn’t matter if he has apologized or not. His apology is not about him feeling remorseful about his ignorance but about saving his reputation and business. If this is the kind of ignorance among “educated” Hindus imagine the situation other parts of the society.
— mujeeb rahman (@Mujeeb16Mujeeb) June 11, 2018
People are calling on the JW Marriott Marquis to respond
It is this normalisation of hate which is letting this celebrity chef get away with using such vile, provocative language against a community. @JWDubaiMarquis when you host iftaar evenings at marriott dubai, is this the spirit you celebrate ? pic.twitter.com/Cp7NY9htev
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) June 11, 2018
‘How intolerant’
How Intolerant ????
Everyone’s true colors show eventually …. pic.twitter.com/Lx33g9u5Nt
— BhoR शर्मा ???????? ???? #ISupportAgniveer (@faustocloud) June 11, 2018
While others are more forgiving
Apology accepted
Thank you @atulkochhar for the clarification, as someone who has met you I fully accept your apology and look forward to continue dining at your amazing #RangMahal #Dubai @JWDubaiMarquis life is too short, Respect and my regards to you and your family
— DubaiNameShame #Ornery (@DubaiNameShame) June 11, 2018
JW Marriott’s response to the furore
We are aware of the comments made by Chef Atul Kochhar. We would like to stress that we do not share the same views as stated in the remark, nor is it a representation of the culture of diversity and inclusion that we pride ourselves on at the hotel.
— JW Marriott Marquis (@JWDubaiMarquis) June 11, 2018
