South Carolina Restaurant Faces Backlash After Viral Video Shows Management Surrounding Food Critic and Calling Cops on Him

A South Carolina restaurant has come under intense public scrutiny after a viral video showed management confronting a Black food critic and allegedly calling police during the encounter. The incident reportedly took place at Percy & Willie’s Food and Spirits in Florence, South Carolina, after influencer and reviewer “Ben A Critic” entered the restaurant to film content for social media. The footage quickly spread online and sparked heated debate across multiple platforms.

In the video, the food critic can be heard repeatedly asking staff members not to touch him as several men surrounded him near the entrance area. Reports indicate that management accused him of filming without permission and demanded he leave the restaurant. The confrontation escalated as police were reportedly contacted during the dispute.

The incident triggered widespread backlash online, with many viewers criticizing the restaurant’s handling of the situation and questioning whether race played a role in the encounter. Others argued that influencers and content creators should obtain permission before filming inside private businesses.

Viral Video Sparks Online Outrage and Debate

The viral footage generated millions of views and led to a wave of criticism directed at the restaurant across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit. Some social media users accused the restaurant’s management of aggressively targeting the critic and escalating a situation that could have been handled calmly.

Several commenters expressed concern over the optics of multiple white managers surrounding a Black creator while law enforcement was being contacted. Critics online described the video as uncomfortable and alarming, particularly after the reviewer repeatedly asked not to be touched.

At the same time, some online users defended the restaurant, arguing that private businesses have the right to restrict filming inside their establishments. Others pointed to broader frustrations involving social media influencers filming content in restaurants without prior approval. 

Restaurant Faces Fallout as Phones Reportedly Flooded With Calls

Reports indicate the backlash became so intense that the restaurant temporarily shut off its phones after receiving an overwhelming number of calls and messages from angry viewers online. The controversy quickly expanded beyond South Carolina as clips of the confrontation spread nationally across social media platforms. 

The incident has also renewed conversations about race, influencer culture, and the relationship between content creators and local businesses. Some restaurant owners say viral review culture can create unexpected tensions, particularly when filming policies are unclear or not consistently enforced. 

Meanwhile, supporters of the food critic argue the situation reflects broader concerns about how Black creators are treated in public spaces and businesses. The restaurant has continued facing criticism online as debate surrounding the incident remains active.

Viral Restaurant Confrontation Raises Questions About Race, Influencer Culture, and Business Policies

The confrontation between a South Carolina restaurant and a viral food critic has quickly evolved into a broader online controversy. What began as a dispute over filming inside a restaurant became a national discussion involving race, social media culture, and business rights. The viral footage continues to fuel debate across multiple platforms.

Supporters of the critic argue the restaurant’s response appeared excessive and unnecessarily confrontational. Others maintain that private businesses should be allowed to enforce policies regarding filming and content creation inside their establishments. The divide in public reaction reflects growing tensions surrounding influencer culture and public accountability.

Ultimately, the incident highlights how quickly viral videos can transform local business disputes into nationwide conversations with lasting reputational consequences.