Salt Bae, the Turkish chef renowned for his flamboyant meat seasoning technique, has once again found himself at the centre of controversy following the recent Champions League final. The restaurateur, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, was reportedly turned away from a high-profile after-party in Munich after Paris Saint-Germain's convincing 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. This historic scoreline marked the largest margin of victory in a Champions League final, yet the attention has shifted away from football celebrations towards Salt Bae’s antics.
After being seen exiting a bus and approaching a hotel believed to be hosting the after-party, social media users claimed he was denied entry and escorted aside by doormen. However, Salt Bae has refuted these accusations, taking to Instagram to clarify his presence at the hotel. He stated that he was there for his fans and not as a participant in any exclusive event. "Due to the busyness that occurred, while I was waiting for my vehicle... there was a directive from Mr. Dormen," he explained, insisting there was no designated party that he could have been excluded from. He cautioned against believing the "baseless" narratives circulating online, asserting that the events were exaggerated and largely fabricated.
This latest incident is part of a pattern for Salt Bae, who previously attracted ire during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. In that high-stakes match, he infamously gained access to the pitch and was filmed holding and kissing the World Cup trophy—a privilege typically reserved for tournament winners and FIFA officials. Following that incident, FIFA launched an investigation into how Salt Bae managed to breach protocol, ultimately deeming his access as unauthorized. The prestige associated with the trophy, described as a “priceless icon,” led FIFA to take “appropriate internal action” following the review of events on that fateful day.
Since that publicity-stirring moment, which also included Salt Bae trying to engage with Argentina's star player Lionel Messi—an interaction that was met with visible irritation from the football legend—public sentiment has been decidedly mixed. The chef has developed a close rapport with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who once referred to him as "the best of the best." On social media, Salt Bae recently praised Infantino, dubbing him the "King of football" and acknowledging his efforts to unify the sport on a global scale.
Despite the notoriety surrounding his antics, Salt Bae continues to thrive in the culinary world, with more than 20 Nusr-Et restaurants under his belt, where he serves extravagant dishes including his famed £2,000 gold-wrapped tomahawk steak. His rise to fame began in 2017 when videos showcasing his unique seasoning technique went viral, securing him a well-established presence in both the culinary and sports spheres.
In the wake of these incidents, combined with his ongoing engagement with high-profile football personalities, it seems that Salt Bae will remain a controversial figure within both culinary and sporting communities. Whether he is celebrated or ridiculed largely hinges on the perceptions of his interactions—each layered with complexity and occasionally overshadowed by the backlash of his previous indiscretions.
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Source: Noah Wire Services