Image: @atulkochhar twitter

Atul Kochhar, owner of Michelin starred restaurant Benares London, Mayfair and Dubai was called out for his Islamophobic tweet. He tweeted in response to Priyanka Chopra, Bollywood star after some were offended by a recent episode of Quantico. Kochhar tweeted saying, “It’s sad to see that you have not respected the sentiments of Hindus who have been terrorised by Islam over 2000 years. Shame on you.” Since the Tweet was posted, many reacted with boycotting his restaurants, it has recently been reported that he has now been sacked for the offensive tweet. The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai dropped the chef after his bigoted comment. 

Source: @hasanpatel

The Chef, who recently appeared on the BBC’s Million Dollar Menu, issued a statement on Tuesday expressing his deep regret, however, was sacked shortly after by the Hotel on Wednesday, after threats surfaced online, of boycotting the establishment.

pic.twitter.com/KRBFr44n0y

— Atul Kochhar (@atulkochhar) June 12, 2018

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.

— Atul Kochhar (@atulkochhar) June 11, 2018

The tweet was quickly called into question with many pointing out that his restaurants serve halal food.

Halal Gems, a halal restaurant finder app has also delisted Benares from the app and issued a statement:

For those asking, please read our official statement regarding @atulkochhar’s tweets.

Cc @Benaresofficial pic.twitter.com/oRKqglkk2g

— Halal Gems (@HalalGems) June 11, 2018

What are you sorry about? Your views on Muslims?

You blame Muslims for victiming Hindus for 2000 years (apparently!). But you're happy to make money off them in Dubai. And you have no problems against the British, who killed more Hindus during the Raj?

Hypocritical isn't it?

— Sunny Hundal (@sunny_hundal) June 10, 2018

I have cancelled my wedding anniversary meal for next month at your restaurant.

YOU knew exactly what you meant as YOU tweeted that message.

Disgusted.

— Ali ???? (@ali_b86) June 11, 2018

Many have also tweeted the hotel in which he serves iftar

https://twitter.com/iKamranShahid/status/1005933491408654337

We are aware of the comments made by Chef Atul Kochhar. We would like to stress that we do not share the same views as stated in the remark, nor is it a representation of the culture of diversity and inclusion that we pride ourselves on at the hotel.

— JW Marriott Marquis (@JWDubaiMarquis) June 11, 2018

Here is a list of some @atulkochhar restaurants that you can boycott because he is a hateful bigot. The ball is in your court internet.

Benares in London
Ananda in Ireland
Vatika in Southampton/London
Rang Mahal in JW Marriot Dubai
Simply India in mauritius pic.twitter.com/1Bkl5yRjoh

— Jibby (@JibbyD) June 11, 2018

He later deleted the tweet and then sent out another tweet claiming it was “a major error made in the heat of the moment on Sunday”.

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.

— Atul Kochhar (@atulkochhar) June 11, 2018