An Indian-origin Michelin-star chef in Dubai is facing severe criticism for his “anti-Islam tweet”, after he took a dig at actress Priyanka Chopra over the “Quantico” TV show episode that portrayed Hindu nationalists as terrorists.
Atul Kochhar, head chef of the Rang Mahal restaurant at JW Marriot Marquis hotel in Dubai, took to Twitter saying, “It’s sad to see that you have not respected the sentiments of Hindus who have been terrorised by Islam over 2,000 years. Shame on You (sic)”.
Kochhar later deleted the tweet and put out an apology, saying the “major error” was “made in the heat of the moment on Sunday”.
“There is no justification for my tweet … 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,” he wrote.
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
JW Marriot hotel has distanced itself from its employee’s comments.
“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,” the hotel tweeted on Monday.
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
The anti-Islam tweet created a furore on social media, with many people demanding him to be dismissed from service, with some residents saying they would boycott the restaurant.
Popular commentator and Arab journalist Khaled Almaeena tweeted: “You (Kochhar) have offended me… As a person who loves India its people no matter what their caste or creed. As a secular and liberal, it truly is a horror statement.”
You have offended me…As a person who loves India its people no matter what their caste or creed https://t.co/oxxF5waftf a secular and liberal it truly is a horror statement @vijayprashad @ShahidBurney @EnglishAlbilad Repent as Gopal my friend from Naini Tal said. @talmaeena
— Khaled Almaeena (@KhaledAlmaeena) June 11, 2018
One @atulkochhar came to limelight by shaming Priyanka Chopra for not being sensitive about 2000 years of Muslim terrorism in India (2000? ok!). Found out the guy is a Chef. With that understanding of Mughal rule in India wonder if he can cook and serve Mughlai dishes.
— Sanjukta Basu (@sanjukta) June 11, 2018
So this made Chef Atul Kochhar apologise for his brazen Islamophobia https://t.co/JsHUetM9AG
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) June 11, 2018
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