San Francisco, CA – Chef Geoffrey Lee, celebrated for his Michelin-starred restaurants, stepped down from his leadership roles at Ju-Ni, Handroll Project, and Hamburger Project on January 3rd, following a public online clash with food influencer Kathleen Ensign. The dispute, which originated from a lukewarm review of the new Hamburger Project, quickly escalated into a series of personal attacks on social media, ultimately leading to Lee’s resignation.
Ensign's initial review, posted on Instagram and TikTok, sparked a heated exchange with Lee. According to Ensign, Lee's response included personal comments about her appearance and a voice message from his child. Screenshots shared on social media showed Lee's aggressive remarks, labeling Ensign as "weird," "unstable," and even referencing her voice as "the most annoying Karen voice."
Lee, in a statement to The San Francisco Standard, defended his initial comments, stating he felt compelled to defend his restaurant staff against what he perceived as an unfair critique. He acknowledged the review from Ensign was public and felt it was "insulting" and a form of clickbait, leading to his response.
However, the exchange quickly spiraled out of control. Ensign shared screenshots of Lee's comments on TikTok, which gained significant traction, further escalating the conflict. Other influencers, notably Maggie Z, amplified the story, bringing additional attention to the situation. Lee's further online responses to Maggie Z, including criticisms of influencer culture, fueled the backlash and negative social media commentary about his businesses.
Faced with growing online criticism, including widespread "Yelp-bombing" of his restaurants, Lee ultimately resigned from all three establishments. He cited a desire to seek personal therapy and a recognition that his actions were not reflective of his staff's hard work. In a statement to Eater SF, Lee expressed regret for his actions and emphasized that his personal opinions should not reflect negatively on his employees.
The incident highlights the potential for social media conflicts to impact professional reputations, particularly in the restaurant industry, and the importance of careful consideration and measured responses in online interactions.
