'Waaaaaaa': Papa John's founder John Schnatter slammed for saying he lost 'A' home to Hurricane Ian

Papa John's founder John Schnatter, who resigned from the company in 2018 for using the N-word, has drawn flak on the internet for an allegedly insensitive statement about hurricane Ian. In an interview with OAN, he said the flooding “gives you a little bit of perspective… (about) how devastating this storm is.” He then reflected on the people who faced losses due to the hurricane. "You just can’t imagine how bad this is and my heart goes out to the folks in Florida,” Schnatter said. “Yeah, I lost a home, but they’ve lost everything.”
The businessman, who has a net worth of $1B according to Forbes and owns over 20 properties, was invited by OAN to talk about the home he lost in Naples. The clip that went viral shows the anchor saying, "Of course, you’re currently in Utah, but we’re seeing the images of your home in Naples. It appears it is completely underwater.” John Schnatter is also seen saying to the news anchor that he isn't worried about himself since he had “the resources and the team and institutional knowledge.”
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Schnatter's statements were met with fury on Twitter. The viral clip was shared with the caption, "New hurricane expert just dropped". The user who shared it also pointed out that the billionaire only lost "a" home, while others noted how Schnatter is privileged enough to buy a whole neighborhood to recoup the "loss" he suffered. "Waaaaaa he lost a house So in the end he will buy up the neighbors houses and build another tacky mansion," someone wrote.
Waaaaaa he lost a house So in the end he will buy up the neighbors houses and build another tacky mansion
— John Barber (@jonrob718) October 4, 2022
Meanwhile, some attacked OAN for bad journalism choices, calling the interview unnecessary. One user said, "Still amazes me that anyone who was an actual journalist would choose to work for OAN." "They always find a way to bring these rightwing grifters and victims back. Exhausting," another said.
Still amazes me that anyone who was an actual journalist would choose to work for OAN.
— Richard W. (@IceManNYR) October 3, 2022
They always find a way to bring these rightwing grifters and victims back. Exhausting
— KCD (@kbbtt90) October 4, 2022
Some ridiculed the channel for misspelling 'hurricane' in its ticker. A user wrote, "I’m actually part hurricanian on my mom’s side", while another simply said, "Lol, "HURRICAN." "I hurrican't even," a third quipped.
I’m actually part hurricanian on my mom’s side pic.twitter.com/TDBVKd20Rx
— Adam C Hernandez (@adamchernandez) October 4, 2022
After John Schnatter resigned in 2018, Papa John's issued a statement saying it "condemns racism and any insensitive language, no matter the situation or setting."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.