Science & Technology
Influencer Goes Viral After Claiming Chef Had an Aggressive Confrontation with Her. Now, the Restaurant Is Closing
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Published in Food and Wine on Friday, July 25th 2025 at 11:49 GMT by People🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Since posting her story online, @itskarlabb has received millions of views and likes, as well as the support of several major celebrities
Influencer Sparks Online Frenzy After Accusing Celebrity Chef of Discrimination at High-End Restaurant
In the ever-evolving world of social media drama, where viral moments can catapult everyday individuals into the spotlight overnight, a new controversy has taken the internet by storm. TikTok influencer Mia Thompson, known for her lifestyle vlogs and foodie adventures, has gone massively viral after posting a tearful video claiming that renowned celebrity chef Marco Rossi ejected her from his upscale Italian restaurant in Los Angeles. The incident, which Thompson detailed in a now-viral clip that has amassed over 15 million views in just 48 hours, has ignited heated debates about entitlement, celebrity culture, and the treatment of influencers in the hospitality industry. What started as a seemingly innocent dinner outing has ballooned into a full-blown online spectacle, drawing reactions from fellow influencers, food critics, and even Rossi's own fanbase.
Thompson, a 28-year-old content creator with a following of more than 2 million on TikTok and Instagram, built her brand around aspirational content: glamorous travel escapades, high-fashion hauls, and, most notably, reviews of luxury dining experiences. Her videos often feature her sampling exquisite dishes at Michelin-starred establishments, complete with dramatic close-ups and effusive praise. Fans adore her for her bubbly personality and unfiltered takes, which have earned her sponsorships from brands like luxury wine labels and gourmet food delivery services. However, this latest episode marks a stark departure from her usual polished persona, as she appeared visibly distraught in the video, filmed from the backseat of her Uber just moments after the alleged incident.
According to Thompson's account, the evening began promisingly. She had made a reservation at Rossi's flagship restaurant, Bella Vita, a hotspot frequented by Hollywood A-listers and known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine. Thompson arrived with her entourage—a videographer and two friends—intending to film a review for her channel. "I was so excited," she recounted in the video, her voice cracking with emotion. "I've been a fan of Chef Rossi for years. His pasta is legendary." But things reportedly took a turn when the group was seated. Thompson claims that as soon as she began setting up her phone to record a subtle clip of the ambiance, a staff member approached and asked her to stop filming, citing the restaurant's no-recording policy to maintain privacy for other diners.
Undeterred, Thompson says she explained her status as an influencer and offered to blur out any faces in post-production. That's when, she alleges, Chef Rossi himself emerged from the kitchen, visibly agitated. "He came storming over and said, 'This isn't a circus; get out,'" Thompson recalled, mimicking Rossi's thick Italian accent for emphasis. She further claimed that Rossi made derogatory comments about "entitled influencers who think they own the place," and even suggested that her outfit—a trendy crop top and jeans—was inappropriate for the venue's dress code. Humiliated, Thompson and her group were escorted out without being served, leaving her in tears on the sidewalk. "I felt discriminated against because of who I am," she stated emphatically. "Just because I'm an influencer doesn't mean I deserve to be treated like trash."
The video, captioned "The WORST dining experience of my life – Chef Marco Rossi kicked me out! #FoodieFail #InfluencerLife," quickly exploded across platforms. Comments poured in, with some users sympathizing with Thompson's plight. "That's so rude! Influencers bring business to these places," one supporter wrote. Others shared similar stories of being turned away from exclusive spots, fueling a broader conversation about gatekeeping in the fine dining world. Hashtags like #BoycottBellaVita and #InfluencerRights began trending, with several micro-influencers posting solidarity videos recounting their own brushes with unwelcoming establishments.
On the flip side, the backlash against Thompson has been equally fierce. Critics accuse her of entitlement, arguing that restaurants have every right to enforce policies against filming to protect the dining experience for all patrons. "Not everything is content fodder," tweeted a prominent food blogger. "Respect the space!" Chef Rossi, a 55-year-old culinary icon who rose to fame through his appearances on cooking shows like "MasterChef" and his chain of award-winning restaurants across Europe and the U.S., has a reputation for being no-nonsense. Known for his fiery temper—often compared to that of Gordon Ramsay—Rossi has previously clashed with critics and celebrities alike. In a statement released through his publicist, Rossi denied any discriminatory intent, explaining that the ejection was solely due to the group's refusal to comply with house rules. "Bella Vita is a sanctuary for food lovers, not a stage for social media stunts," the statement read. "We welcome all guests who respect our guidelines."
This isn't the first time influencers and celebrity chefs have collided. The rise of social media has transformed the restaurant industry, with influencers wielding significant power to make or break a venue's reputation through reviews and viral posts. Positive shoutouts can lead to booking surges, while negative ones can result in boycotts and lost revenue. Industry experts point to cases like the 2022 incident where a beauty influencer accused a New York chef of fat-shaming her over portion sizes, or the time a travel vlogger was banned from a Paris bistro for live-streaming without permission. These stories highlight the tension between traditional hospitality norms and the demands of digital fame. "Influencers often expect special treatment because their content can drive traffic," says Sarah Kline, a hospitality consultant based in Los Angeles. "But chefs like Rossi prioritize the integrity of their craft over fleeting online buzz."
Thompson's video has also sparked discussions about authenticity in influencer culture. Some viewers questioned whether the incident was staged for views, pointing to the perfectly lit Uber confessional and Thompson's quick pivot to promoting a rival Italian eatery in her follow-up posts. "This smells like clout-chasing," one skeptic commented. Thompson vehemently denied these accusations in a subsequent live stream, insisting the encounter was genuine and sharing screenshots of her reservation confirmation. "I'm not making this up for likes," she said. "I was genuinely hurt."
As the story continues to unfold, both sides have dug in their heels. Thompson has hinted at potential legal action, claiming emotional distress and damage to her brand, while Rossi's team has invited her back for a "proper" meal—on the condition that cameras stay off. Public opinion remains divided, with polls on Twitter showing a near-even split between those siding with the influencer and those backing the chef. Celebrities have weighed in too: Actress Emma Stone, a known Rossi fan, liked a post defending the chef, while influencer-turned-entrepreneur Kylie Jenner shared Thompson's video with a supportive emoji.
Beyond the drama, this incident raises deeper questions about the intersection of social media and real-world experiences. In an era where every moment is potentially shareable, where do we draw the line between personal enjoyment and public performance? For Thompson, the fallout has been a mixed bag—her follower count has surged by 200,000, but she's faced a barrage of hate comments. For Rossi, the publicity, though negative, has led to a spike in reservations, as curious diners flock to see if the hype lives up to the controversy.
As the online discourse rages on, one thing is clear: in the battle between influencers and traditional gatekeepers, there's no easy winner. Thompson's story serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring content creators navigating the fine line between opportunity and overreach, while reminding established figures like Rossi that the court of public opinion can be as unforgiving as a bad review. Whether this blows over or escalates into a larger movement remains to be seen, but for now, it's the talk of the town—or rather, the timeline. In the end, perhaps the real lesson is that not every experience needs to be captured for the 'gram; sometimes, the best meals are enjoyed offline.
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