2 Chainz Apologizes After Questioning Food Critic Keith Lee on a Podcast: Says They Spoke Privately Afterwards and It Was All Love
Atlanta, Georgia rapper 2 Chainz questioned food critic Keith Lee face to face on a recent podcast episode, and clips of the exchange drew backlash as they circulated on social media. On November 3, 2 Chainz apologized in a post on X, saying he had spoken privately with Keith Lee after filming and that there was no lingering tension between them.
'I got a chance to speak to Keith after the podcast, and it was all love. I know my words offended some people and I apologize for that. What I said and what I meant were two different things. I could've done a better job getting my point across,' 2 Chainz wrote. According to Baller Alert, the statement acknowledges that his comments did not come across the way he intended; it does not walk back every opinion he expressed during the podcast, but it does include an apology to people who were offended.
The widely discussed exchange came during the latest episode of Kirk Franklin's 'Den of Kings' podcast, recorded at Clark Atlanta University with comedians Desi Banks and Mojo Brookzz also taking part, in a conversation about success, criticism, personal experiences and the responsibilities that come with having influence. Things became uncomfortable when 2 Chainz brought up restaurant reviews and questioned Lee about criticism involving Esco Restaurant & Tapas, a business associated with the rapper.
Lee, who has built a large following through his restaurant reviews, explained why he prioritizes the experiences of everyday customers over the special treatment celebrities sometimes receive. He described sending his mother-in-law into multiple Atlanta restaurants, where she struggled to receive service, while those same establishments were suddenly able to accommodate him once his identity became known. 2 Chainz pushed back, arguing that celebrities receive certain privileges, including airport lines, because of the work they have put into building successful careers. Viewers then questioned whether financial success and fame should determine how customers are treated.
Another contested moment came when 2 Chainz questioned whether years of restrictive dieting during Lee's career as a professional fighter could influence his approach to food reviews; Lee responded that his athletic background helped develop his knowledge of nutrition and his passion for cooking. According to multiple entertainment outlets, viewers also suggested that 2 Chainz may have confused Lee with fellow food reviewer Mr. Chimetime, who previously criticized Esco Restaurant & Tapas in a 2024 review that faulted several dishes and the overall experience, while Lee never publicly posted a review of the establishment.
According to Baller Alert, as clips circulated online, the conversation expanded into a debate about celebrity privilege, customer service and accountability within the restaurant industry, and 2 Chainz says his private conversation with Lee ended positively. GSM has not downloaded or reposted the podcast clips.
Source: Baller Alert
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 2 Chainz本人资料图（demxx摄，CC BY 2.0，经Wikimedia Commons；非播客录制现场图）
