Viral TikTok creator and food reviewer Keith Lee has an important message for restaurant owners!
After it was brought to Lee’s attention that scammers are using his name, he wanted to warn restaurant owners to not trust everything they hear online.
Keith Lee Shares A Warning For Restaurants In Recent TikTok Video!
Keith Lee – TikTok
In a TikTok video that Lee said “he would rather not make,” the wildly popular content creator and food critic shares an important message for restaurant owners in the Indianapolis area.
“It’s come to my attention, people scamming on my behalf, and I don’t want nobody falling victim to it,” he said. “Before I say anything, it was leaked, I don’t know how it was leaked, but it was leaked that I’ll be in Indianapolis for NBA All-Star Weekend, which is true. But what’s not true is what was brought to my attention.”
He continued to explain that food influencers in Indianapolis are charging restaurants a fee and “guaranteeing them that we coming” and that there will be a line out the door.
“That’s not true,” he said. “We’re going to Indianapolis for the game and the game only. Yes, we might try some food while we there, but we not going there for there for food tour.”
He then reiterated something he’s said many times in the past – he does not charge small restaurants for anything.
“We don’t charge for showing up. We don’t charge for reviews. We don’t charge if there’s a line out the door,” he continued. “We don’t charge even if you open three or four locations after we leave. At no point do I want any money from any small restaurants.”
@keith_lee125 Keith Leaves A Disclaimer 💕 God Bless You 🙏🏽 Yall Be Safe 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound – Keith Lee
Lee also revealed the amount of money these influencers are allegedly charging saying they are Lee’s fees – $7,000 to $20,000!
“I’m making this to say if you are a restaurant owner and you see me while we in Indianapolis, don’t come to me and my family and say you took this money and you won’t show up for no review,” he continued. “I didn’t take no money. I’m not showing up for no review. I didn’t promise anything. I’m going to play basketball. I don’t want no smoke.”
Lee’s video quickly went viral with more than 2 million views and thousands of comments in one day.
“I’m in Indianapolis and I definitely ‘heard’ you would be here to try the restaurants… thanks for clearing it up Keith. I’ll spread the word!” one person wrote.
Another added, “People are always gonna take advantage… we appreciate you Keith and fam.”
Keith Was Nominated For NAACP Award!
Keith Lee – Instagram
Lee has taken the internet by storm since starting his food review videos. To add to his many accomplishments throughout his content creator journey, he was recently nominated for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year!
Angel Laketa Moore, Druski, Lynae Vanee, and Terrell Grice were also nominated for the coveted award.
Voting is currently open and winners will be revealed during a live TV special airing 8 p.m. March 16, 2024 on BET and CBS.
Lee shared the big news on his Instagram page in a post and in a Story.
He also shared a video on TikTok with the news.
@keith_lee125 💕 Testimony 💕 God Is Amazing 🙏🏽 Im forever thankful 🤞🏽 #foodcritic ♬ Get In With Me – bossman._dlow
Lee’s followers shared their happiness and support for his nomination.
“From in the apartment kitchen making Trader Joe’s to NAACP,” one person wrote in the comments of his TikTok video.
To vote for Lee, visit the website. Fans can vote once a day until voting closes at 9 p.m. on February 24. Winners will be revealed during the “55th NAACP Image Awards” on BET and CBS on March 16, 2024.