Atul Kochhar received flak after taking a dig at Priyanka Chopra for her tweet over an episode in ‘Quantico’.
Dubai’s JW Marriott Marquis Hotel announced that it has cut ties with celebrity chef Atul Kochhar following his inflammatory tweet.
Kochhar operated the Rang Mahal Indian restaurant in Dubai.
“Following the recent comments made by Chef Atul Kochhar, we have taken the decision to end our agreement with him for Rang Mahal. With the termination of our agreement, Chef Atul will no longer be associated with the restaurant,” JW Marriot Marquis Hotel said in a statement.
“At the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai we pride ourselves on creating a culture of diversity and inclusion for our guests and associates across the hotel and our restaurants. We also remain committed to delivering the traditional culinary experience and high service standards that Rang Mahal is renowned for,” it added.
Atul Kochhar received flak after taking a dig at Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra for her tweet over an episode in American television series ‘Quantico’ that purportedly portrayed Hindu nationalists as terrorists.
Kochhar on Tuesday issued an apology for his remarks.
“There is no justification for my tweet, a major error made in the heat of the moment on Sunday. I fully recognise my inaccuracies that Islam was founded around 1,400 years ago and I sincerely apologise. I am not Islamophobic, I deeply regret my comments that have offended many,” Kochhar said.
Calls for sacking
Kochhar’s anti-Islam tweet created a furore on social media, with twitterati calling for firing the chef.
Responding to the hotel’s tweet, a Twitter user, Irena Akbar, said: “But now that there is a clear clash of values (your tolerance vs his bigotry), how can you carry on such a relationship? His contract should be snapped.”
Addressing the hotel, another resident, who uses the Twitter handle, Desi Baba, said: “What action have you taken against this communal bigot? Will you let him continue or remove him to walk the talk?”
JW Marriot hotel distanced itself from the chef’s comments.
Popular commentator and Arab journalist Khaled Almaeena tweeted: “You (Kochhar) have offended me. As a person who loves India its people no matter what their caste or creed. As a secular and liberal, it truly is a horror statement.”
Some residents said they would boycott the restaurant.
“Chef celebrity showed his true colours. I won’t eat here after reading the racist tweets by the head chef,” posted a resident on his Facebook page.
A Twitter user, Ali, said: “I have cancelled my wedding anniversary meal for next month at your restaurant. You knew exactly what you meant as you tweeted that message.
Khaleej Times
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