BOSTON (AP) - The CEO of a long running New England television show spotlighting local restaurants and food resigned Tuesday after his posts mocking the nationwide protests against police brutality were widely shared on social media.
The Phantom Gourmet said in a statement posted on Facebook that Dave Andelman will relinquish ownership of the company he founded in 1993.
He’ll also no longer appear on episodes of the television show, which he’s co-hosted for years alongside his brother, Dan Andelman, who now takes over as CEO, the company said.
Dave Andelman said he’ll also resign from the Mendon Twin Drive-In, which he co-owns with his brothers, Dan and Michael - all sons of Eddie Andelman, a longtime Boston sports radio host who is now retired.
On his personal Facebook account, Dave Andelman took jabs at participants of the Black Lives Matter movement in a series of recent posts.
He mockingly called for defunding “potatoes, not police” and suggested Boston restaurants and retailers “offer touchless, curbside looting,” in reference to the violence and destruction that followed a recent downtown protest over the death of George Floyd.
Andelman issued an apology on the Phantom Gourmet’s Facebook page, saying he “made a mistake” and seeks forgiveness.
“I made comments on that page that were inappropriate, hurtful, and wrong regarding the Boston protests,” he said, referring to his personal Facebook page. “I support everyone’s right to free speech and free assembly. I, too, desire racial and social justice. My record of philanthropy and business reflects this.”
Dan Andelman said in a statement that his brother can’t remain involved with the company after his comments. Going forward, he pledged the company would “prioritize finding and promoting local black-owned restaurants” as well as food companies owned and operated by people of color.
“We are passionate about food and restaurants, but we also vow to dedicate ourselves to advancing the causes of diversity, social justice, and equality,” Dan Andelman said. “We plan to listen, learn, and act, while we also continue to entertain and inform our loyal food and fun loving fans.”
Boston-based WBZ-TV, which airs Phantom Gourmet, said the program remains “on hiatus pending further review.”
The station took the show off air over the weekend after Dave Andelman’s comments were widely shared on social media.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.