Guy Fieri has spoken out after facing backlash over a brief interaction with Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate.
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The moment, which quickly went viral on social media. It took place during a recent UFC event and sparked widespread criticism online.
UFC 327 was held at the Kaseya Center in Miami on April 11, drawing a star-studded crowd that included President Donald Trump and other high-profile figures.
Guy Fieri Responds to Backlash Over Tate Brothers Interaction
Photos and video clips show Fieri shaking hands with Andrew Tate and bumping shoulders with him before the two exchanged a few words.
The interaction triggered a wave of negative reactions online. Many pointed to the serious allegations surrounding the Tate brothers, who were accused of rape and human trafficking last year.
Fieri addressed the situation directly on social media.
"I'm seeing all of your comments about the photo from Saturday's UFC event and all I can say is that I'm devastated," Fieri wrote on X.
"I was there to see the fights and when I was walking through the venue, the Tate brothers stood up and said hello and that's when the exchange happened. I did not know them or about them before that moment."
He added: "I'll never pretend to be a perfect person but let me be crystal clear, I do not know the Tate brothers nor do I support them in any way."
The Tate brothers remain under criminal investigation in multiple countries, including the UK. They face a combined total of 21 alleged rape and human trafficking offenses.
Fallout Continues as Appearance Gets Cancelled
The cases involving the Tate brothers remain ongoing, with both men denying all allegations.
Meanwhile, the viral clip has created a sudden headache for Fieri.
The celebrity chef had been scheduled to appear at a media event on April 14 in partnership with Waterloo Sparkling Water. The event marked his second year working with the brand.
However, the appearance was cancelled following the circulation of the footage.
Fieri has built one of the most recognizable brands in food television. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2019.
He later signed a lucrative three-year deal with Food Network in 2021.
The contract, reportedly worth $80 million, marked a significant increase on his previous deal, according to Forbes.
In 2023, he signed a new lucrative contract worth "more than $100 million".
Last year, he also suffered a serious injury while filming Flavortown Food Fight. He reportedly "slipped down a set of steps" and tore his quad muscle "in half," sidelining him for an extended period.
