A Bravo channel television series has come under fire for being insensitive in filming an episode at a former slave plantation.
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Viewers of “Top Chef: Charleston” took to Twitter to blast the competition series for shooting the Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge at Boone Hall Plantation, a former cotton plantation in South Carolina.
Never thought I’d say this but #topchef was a problem tonight. A plantation? Really?
— Hillary Wasserman (@hillwass) December 2, 2016
What’s up at #Bravo #TopChef? 1st the new season is in anti-LGBT
S. Carolina. 2nd they take 2 black chefs to an old plantation. #insensitive— Metl Mann (@Metl_Mann) December 4, 2016
Nobody would ever suggest filming Top Chef at Auschwitz. A plantation was viewed as appropriate and you’ve gotta think about why that is.
— The Kitchenista (@MissAngelaDavis) December 5, 2016
Viewers were angered further because the Challenge included a black man and a white man competing against one another at the Charleston landmark which is open for educational purposes and events.
Who thought the idea of a white guy vs a black guy on a plantation was a good idea? #TopChef
— Michael Gugerty (@TheGoog78) December 2, 2016
So ends my viewership of #TopChef with the black man on plantation being eliminated to white man making truffle slave dish.
— Glittery Bootz (@GlitteryBootz) December 2, 2016
They sent the black man Gerald home after making him cook on a plantation smh #topchef
— JustCakz (@_MsHoliday) December 2, 2016
The lead judge on the series, Tom Colicchio, took to Twitter to defend the show against the backlash. In a series of tweets responding to the criticism, Colicchio said the show was never meant to be offensive and slavery is part of Charleston’s history.
Sorry we offended you. Places like Auschwitz and Boone plantation are open so we don’t forget how heartless people can be. https://t.co/C96jE0CS1l
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
we chose the location because we wanted to show the complete history of Charlesron. https://t.co/NSyE0D5s5o
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
We are shooting in the South I would think it odd if we ignored Charlestons History. https://t.co/ejiFYRcSj9
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
Would it be appropriate at a concert or a comedy show https://t.co/Zr3eQR4QO5
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
In the final segment of episode one, contestants John Tesar and Gerald Sombright arrived at Boone Plantation, driving past a row of original slave cabins.
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“It feels very surreal. The place is so beautiful, but this is a place where people were treated less than a human being in and had an experience that we’re still trying to get out of now,” Sombright said. “I like how this town doesn’t shy away from its history.”
We always ask the chefs how they are feeling before challenges. His reaction was real and genuine. Quite frankly we were all blown away. https://t.co/EnZgMeA8hZ
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
This is the Top Chef episode. Plantation scene begins after 37:00 mark. https://t.co/IDB2bUCEbL
— The Kitchenista (@MissAngelaDavis) December 5, 2016
Colicchio’s responses to countless tweets may have satisfied some, while others were still offended. He offered up another apology to those who did not understand the show’s intention, while he encouraged viewers to keep watching the series.
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Euphemism aside, we thought it important to bring up bring up the entire history of Charleston. We deal with race in several epi. https://t.co/4tllhAfy1Q
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
I have spent several hours trying to discuss this issue. Don’t think I’m trivializing her or anyone’s concerns. https://t.co/madsactjX9
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
I believe slavery to be the most disgusting chapter in American History https://t.co/rExDYk9JGv
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
We certainly didn’t mean to disrespect anyone, clearly people are upset and I apologize for that. https://t.co/GVFsi6Ah0z
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
Keep watching https://t.co/lbZifciY40
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) December 5, 2016
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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