Guy Fieri responds to backlash over Andrew and Tristan Tate incident

Guy Fieri has addressed his relationship with brothers Tristan and Andrew Tate amid photographs that emerged at a sports event in Florida.

On 11 April, the Food Network favourite, 58, was one of the many famous faces to rock up to the Kaseya Centre in Miami to witness UFC 327.

The event, which saw 12 bouts taking place - including New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg’s first-round knockout of Czech fighter Jiří Procházka - was also attended by US President Donald Trump, podcaster Joe Rogan, and recording artist Vanilla Ice.

People Magazine reported that Fieri was spotted at the venue shaking hands with fellow guests Andrew, 39, and his younger brother Tristan, 37. The video was originally posted by BroBible sports editor Jorge Alonso.

The pair, who were arrested in December 2022 in connection with human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime ring in Romania, are currently facing 21 criminal charges—all of which they have denied.

Andrew has been accused by four women of alleged sexual violence and physical abuse, which is said to have taken place between 2012 and 2015.

The former kickboxer is also known for promoting extreme misogyny online and previously claiming that women should ‘bear responsibility’ for sexual assault, as per the BBC.

Fieri said in a social media statement that he was ‘devastated’ that he had received backlash online for his affiliation with the Tates.

The father-of-two claimed he wasn’t aware of the controversial brothers before the event and that he did not ‘support them in any way’.

“I’m seeing all of your comments about the photo from Saturday’s UFC event and all I can say is that I’m devastated,” the celebrity chef wrote via X on Tuesday (14 April).

“I was there to see the fights and when I was walking through the venue, the Tate brothers stood up and said hello and that’s when the exchanged happened. I did not know them or about them before that moment.”

He added: “I’ll never pretend to be a perfect person but let me be crystal clear, I do not know the Tate brothers nor do I support them in any way.”

Fans have come out in droves to debate the meeting, with one critic typing: “I used to be a big fan but no more. Shame on you Guy, many of us honestly expected a whole lot better of you.

“You've done a lot of good in the world, then you ruin it all by cozying up to filth like Trump and the Tates. Sad. Read the room, people are deeply offended.”

Another replied: “Your plausible deniability is not so much plausible as totally unbelievable.”

A third defended Fieri, claiming he was showing the Tate brothers ‘simple courtesy’.

“Guy.. you can stand up and say hello to whomever you want. Personally I dislike the Tate brothers, but I'm not going to sit here and berate you like you have a bromance going on with them,” they said. “More people need to learn what simple courtesy is all about.”

Another added: “How dare all of you!! He's famous and kind enough to shake hands with people. I admire that. He doesn't know who they were.

“LEAVE HIM ALONE he does more good than probably any of you!”

People reported that Fieri was due to join an event for Waterloo Sparkling Water on Thursday (16 April) to celebrate his second year of partnership with the beverage brand. The event was cancelled on Tuesday.

Almost a year after being arrested in Romania on a British warrant, the Tate brothers landed in Fort Lauderdale on 27 February 2025.

Soon after, they filed a motion seeking a temporary restraining order against a woman whom they claimed falsely accused them of holding her captive in Romania.

They currently face an ongoing defamation lawsuit in the Palm Beach Circuit Court.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.

Contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.