2 Chainz has broken his silence following his viral confrontation with food critic Keith Lee, issuing a public apology after his comments about celebrity privileges and restaurant service sparked widespread backlash.
The Atlanta rapper addressed the controversy on Tuesday (November 3), revealing that he had spoken privately with Lee following their tense exchange on Kirk Franklin’s Den of Kings podcast.
“I got a chance to speak to Keith after the podcast and it was all love,” 2 Chainz wrote on X.
“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.”
The statement came after viewers criticized the rapper for confronting Lee over a negative review of his Atlanta restaurant, Esco Restaurant & Tapas, despite Lee never having publicly reviewed the establishment.
2 Chainz Faces Backlash Over Keith Lee Restaurant Debate
The controversy began during the November 1 episode of Den of Kings, which featured 2 Chainz, Keith Lee, Desi Banks and Mojo Brookzz discussing success, criticism and the responsibilities that come with fame.
During the conversation, 2 Chainz questioned Lee about an unfavorable review of Esco Restaurant & Tapas. However, the criticism appeared to have come from another popular food reviewer, Mr. Chimetime, rather than Lee.
The misunderstanding quickly became a larger debate about celebrity treatment at restaurants.
2 Chainz defended the perks that come with fame, arguing that his years of hard work in the entertainment industry had earned him privileges that ordinary customers might not receive.
“I’m an entertainer, and obviously we get perks that other people don’t get,” he said, pointing to his ability to bypass airport lines as an example.
Lee pushed back, explaining that his restaurant reviews are intended to reflect the experiences of everyday customers rather than the preferential treatment he receives as a recognizable public figure.
The food critic described sending family members into restaurants before arriving himself, only to discover that their experience changed once staff recognized him.
Lee maintained that customers should receive consistent service regardless of their celebrity status.
2 Chainz Clarifies His Comments After Viral Criticism
Clips from the exchange quickly circulated across social media, with viewers accusing 2 Chainz of being out of touch and questioning why he confronted Lee over a review he apparently never posted.
His subsequent apology acknowledged that his comments had offended people, although he stopped short of explicitly retracting his views on celebrity privileges.
While the rapper confirmed that he and Lee had spoken privately and were on good terms, some social media users continued calling for a direct public apology over the restaurant review mix-up.
The exchange has also reignited conversations about the influence of online food critics, the responsibilities of restaurant owners and whether celebrity status should affect the service customers receive.