Article Contents
From Sprinkling Salt to Stirring Controversy
Nusret Gökçe, widely known as Salt Bae, has become a viral sensation known for his distinctive style of preparing and seasoning meat. However, his recent antics at the 2022 FIFA World Cup final led to a series of bans from various events, including the renowned music festival, Rolling Loud LA 2023.
Salt Bae’s World Cup Controversy
The controversy began when Argentina clinched victory in the World Cup final against France. Celebrations were underway when Salt Bae found his way onto the pitch and began interacting with the triumphant Argentine players in a manner that many found inappropriate.4.
He was seen holding and kissing the World Cup trophy and trying to take photos with various players, including the legendary Lionel Messi. However, these players, preoccupied with their victory celebration, appeared disinterested in Salt Bae’s attempts to engage with them. Footage of these interactions went viral, garnering widespread backlash.

In addition to the awkward interactions, Salt Bae also violated a long-standing FIFA rule dating back to 1974. This rule stipulates that only a select group of individuals, including the winning team members and heads of state, are permitted to hold the World Cup trophy. Salt Bae’s breach of this protocol resulted in further criticism.
The Repercussions of Salt Bae’s Actions
The fallout from Salt Bae’s actions at the World Cup final was swift and far-reaching. He was banned from attending the 2023 U.S. Open Cup final, one of the oldest football tournaments in America. FIFA, the governing body of football, also launched an investigation into how Salt Bae was able to gain access to the pitch after the game.
Salt Bae and Rolling Loud
In the wake of these events, the organizers of the Rolling Loud LA 2023 music festival also announced a ban on Salt Bae. It’s worth noting, however, that Salt Bae did not actually do anything at the Rolling Loud festival. His ban seems to be a response to his actions at the World Cup, rather than any misconduct at the festival itself.
Rolling Loud’s announcement was made on their official Twitter account, saying, “We have also banned Salt Bae from Rolling Loud LA 2023 in March”. This decision to ban Salt Bae from the festival appears to be partly in jest and possibly for promotional reasons, as it follows the trend of other events banning him due to his World Cup antics.
Conclusion
Salt Bae’s ban from Rolling Loud LA 2023 serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of disregarding established rules and protocols, even for viral celebrities. While his actions at the World Cup final sparked controversy and resulted in a series of bans, it remains to be seen what long-term impact this will have on Salt Bae’s popularity and future event attendance.
The Rolling Loud incident highlights how the actions of public figures at high-profile events can quickly become viral news, leading to unexpected consequences. For now, Salt Bae’s fans will be watching to see what the next chapter in the chef’s story will be.
