In a surprising turn of events, a video surfaced online showing a rat scurrying around the patrons’ feet at the bar of Keith McNally’s renowned Soho restaurant, Balthazar. Socialite Michelle Manning Barish shared the clip on Instagram, likening the scene to something out of “Ratatouille.” However, when McNally was approached for comment, he claimed that the whole incident was a setup. According to him, a man planted white mice in an overturned bag at the bar, which were later caught by the staff. The rat captured on camera was not white, adding to the mystery surrounding the incident.
Following McNally’s remarks about Jeff Bezos’ fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, several women expressed their discontent by sharing the rat video with Page Six. This action seemed to be a form of backlash against McNally’s statement. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Ana Navarro, and Jewel came to Sanchez’s defense, calling the incident a form of “karma for bullying.” The public outcry against McNally continued with comments labeling him as “total trash” for his behavior.
McNally, known for his provocative comments on social media, has a history of sparking outrage. In 2021, he made a derogatory remark about a fashion buyer on Instagram, comparing her to a “hooker waiting for business.” This incident caused a stir online, with the woman feeling disrespected by McNally’s comment. Additionally, McNally has voiced controversial opinions in defense of public figures like Woody Allen and Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as making insensitive remarks about tragic events such as terror attacks on Israel.
In response to McNally’s comments, Lauren Sanchez posted a message on Instagram emphasizing the importance of ignoring negativity and focusing on kindness. McNally, who suffered a stroke in 2017, has a reputation for making bold statements that incite strong reactions from the public. Despite his health issues, he continues to engage in online controversies that garner attention and criticism.
The recent rat sighting at Balthazar has added a new layer of controversy to Keith McNally’s already contentious reputation. The incident, coupled with his inflammatory remarks on social media, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the public. As McNally navigates the fallout from these events, it remains to be seen how it will impact his standing in the industry and his relationships with patrons and colleagues.
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