British television personality Piers Morgan has ignited a fiery cultural debate after defending his praise for chicken tikka masala and criticizing traditional English cuisine. The controversy erupted when Morgan faced accusations from critics who claimed he would trade "English people" for curry.
The Social Media Storm
In a recent post on X, Morgan fired back at his detractors with characteristic bluntness. "The most comical aspect of all the repulsive twerps spewing their racist bile at me for my chicken tikka masala post is that none of them seem to know the dish was first created in Glasgow and is now Britain's most popular national dish," Morgan wrote. He added, "I had one last night - delicious!"
The TV host didn't stop there. Morgan argued that London's culinary scene underwent a dramatic transformation since the 1950s and 60s, claiming that before mass immigration, food in the British capital was "unpalatable and inedible." He credited diverse cultures arriving in Britain from around the world with reviving and significantly improving English cuisine.
Right-Wing Backlash and Support
Morgan's comments triggered immediate backlash from right-wing social media circles, who interpreted his words as an insult to traditional British culture. Critics accused him of favoring foreign customs at the expense of national identity.
The controversy escalated when far-right influencer Tommy Robinson reposted an AI-generated deepfake image depicting Piers Morgan eating curry with most of it smeared across his face. The manipulated image appeared designed to mock Morgan's culinary preferences.
However, Morgan also received substantial support from defenders who argued his comments reflected the reality of cultural mixing. Supporters pointed out that over centuries, Britain has absorbed heritage from various civilizations including:
- Celts
- Normans
- Vikings
- Romans
They contend that modern immigration simply continues this historical pattern of blending different cultural elements.
Broader Implications for Social Media
The intense reaction to Morgan's food comments highlights a troubling trend on certain social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), which has become increasingly toxic in recent times. With reduced moderation efforts, these platforms have transformed into hotspots for racist content and conspiracy-driven material.
This incident demonstrates how even discussions about food can quickly escalate into heated debates about national identity, immigration, and cultural preservation in today's polarized digital landscape.
