Overview

Influencer BOA Steakhouse Controversy refers to various TikTokers' and YouTubers' frequent visits to the West Hollywood restaurant BOA Steakhouse for indoor dining during the pandemic. In July 2020, TikTokers and YouTubers like Jake Paul, Nikita Dragun and Charli D'Amelio have been filmed while leaving or entering the restaurant before or after parties. Both the restaurant and the influencers have been criticized for not taking precautions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Background

On July 15th, 2020, YouTuber Tanner Fox announced in a video that he had tested positive for coronavirus and had been in contact with Jake Paul. On July 20th, The Hollywood Fix posted a YouTube video of Jake Paul at BOA Steakhouse (shown below, left). On July 22nd, a group of TikTokers went to dinner at BOA Steakhouse before Larray's controversial birthday party at the Hype House (shown below, right). The Hollywood Fix video capturing them arriving at the restaurant gained over 966,800 views in three weeks (shown below, right).

Developments

On July 22nd, 2020, Twitter user @defnoodles^[1] started a Twitter thread regarding influencers and their trips to BOA Steakhouse. In the thread, @defnoodles discusses speaking to the restaurant's staff (shown below, left). The Twitter user went on to say, "BOA staff said they are not aware whether Tanner Fox has been to their restaurant. Tanner was recently diagnosed with COVID, just two days after hanging out with Jake Paul. Jake Paul went to BOA a couple of days after Tanner announced his diagnosis” (shown below, right). The BOA Steakhouse^[3] has listed new restaurant guidelines on their website.

On August 9th, 2020, Twitter user @TaylorLorenz^[2] wrote that having a meal at BOA Steakhouse and getting interviewed by Hollywood Fix after is an "influencer life milestone" (shown below). Other Twitter users also discussed the restaurant's popularity with influencers and it's social distancing practices.

Various Examples

Search Interest

External References