2 Chainz Apologizes Over Keith Lee Debate, But Some Fans Aren’t Buying It

2 Chainz might need to spend his next public appearance explaining what comes out of his kitchen.

The rapper apologized after his conversation with Keith Lee on Kirk Franklin’s “Den of Kings” stirred up criticism over celebrity treatment at restaurants. But some folks apparently weren’t ready to accept the apology and ask for the dessert menu. 

Let me clear one thing. Keith Lee never publicly posted the negative Esco Restaurant & Tapas review that became part of this controversy. That was his fellow food reviewer Mr. Chimetime. Keith was another type of critique.

During the discussion, 2 Chainz defended the privileges celebrities receive, and Keith explained why his reviews should reflect how ordinary customers get treated. Keith described restaurants struggling to accommodate his family, then suddenly finding space when he appeared. Bloop.

That’s where I’m with Keith. Nobody should need a platinum plaque to get a table and an attentive server.

On November 3, 2 Chainz addressed the backlash.

“I know my words offended some people and I apologize for that.”

He also said he spoke with Keith after the podcast and described their interaction as positive. That’s his account of where things stand between them. 

The public response was less forgiving. Some commenters wanted him to apologize directly to Keith in public, with one writing, “we wanna see you apologize to him publicly.”

Now, I haven’t eaten at Esco, so I cannot tell you whether the food deserves applause or an emergency seasoning consultation. Angry comments aren’t a substitute for tasting it yourself, either.

But celebrity restaurant owners ought to understand something: your name might get somebody through the door once. Their experience determines whether they return.

People budget for dinner. They arrange babysitters, pay for parking and choose your establishment over another business. Their money deserves respect, regardless of their follower count.

I like 2 Chainz, and I hope he takes something useful from this. One uncomfortable conversation shouldn’t define an entire business.

Still, the next convincing response could come on a plate. Give people good food, consistent service and a reason to come back. The customers can handle the publicity from there.