What Happened To Salt Bae?

In 2017, Salt Bae became one of the most viral people on the planet. His effortless sprinkle of salt, slick sunglasses, and chef swagger made him a global meme overnight. Celebrities, athletes, and billionaires lined up to eat at his luxury Nusr-Et steakhouses — and for a moment, it felt like Salt Bae could do no wrong. But behind the viral fame was a growing list of problems. In this mini documentary, we explore the rise and fall of Salt Bae — from a humble Turkish butcher to a self-made internet icon, and how arrogance, controversy, and greed turned his fame into a global embarrassment. We cover the Qatar World Cup incident that sparked worldwide backlash, the overpriced gold-covered steaks that became a symbol of excess, and the lawsuits filed by former employees claiming toxic workplace culture and exploitation inside his restaurants. We also dive into how Salt Bae’s obsession with fame and luxury — once his greatest strength — became the reason for his downfall. By 2024, Salt Bae’s empire was collapsing. His restaurants faced financial losses, critics mocked his persona, and his reputation was in ruins. What started as a viral dream ended as a cautionary tale of ego, money, and fame gone too far. If you want to know the real story of how Salt Bae went from viral sensation to global embarrassment, this video breaks it all down.