Americans have the privilege of the freedom of speech, but one restaurant owner in New York might have taken that freedom a bit too far. After a diner called Taste of Italy expressed their opinion online, the establishment is facing heavy backlash, with many even review-bombing the establishment after the owner responded to some tragic news. WNYT NewsChannel 13 reports that a 7-year-old was found dead, having allegedly drowned in a pool. That said, Taste of Italy decided to put out an excessively hot take.
“Let’s not forget that if that boy lived in a Muslim country, his Muslim family would have killed him a long time ago,” the restaurant account wrote in a comment. The comment continued, saying how Muslims should return to their country, that their “fake” religion is equal to terrorism, and Muslims shouldn’t hold political power in the United States. Needless to say, online users didn’t take too kindly to such a bold perspective being thrown out by an Italian restaurant, no less.
Internet Review-Bombs Taste of Italy for Its Hostile Political Statement Against Muslims
“Such a Disgusting and disrespectful post. You should all be ashamed of yourselves,” criticized a reviewer. “Posted the following after a 7-year-old autistic boy was tragically found dead – I have no words,” expressed another. “Boycott them. WHO responds to the death of a child this way? Horrible, horrible people,” exclaimed a third.
Reddit was outraged by the New York restaurant’s public statement as well. Reddit user Total-Repair9953 posted a screenshot of exactly what Taste of Italy had written on r/upstate_new_york. “Feel free to post a review of the business,” suggested a commenter. “Ok look! Another ignorant bigot who has chosen to ruin his life and his business. Karma has been working overtime,” remarked a second.
As to why the restaurant owner decided to post such a thing with knowledge that it would spark backlash, some allege it was an accident, while others claim he did it on purpose. Whatever the case, what’s said has been said, and people will react accordingly. In this case, it was not objectively a good decision for business, with the review-bombing and all.
