Ex-Kis Cafe Chef Luke Sung Finally Speaks Out: 'I Was Condescending, Hurtful and Intimidating'

Luke Sung, the former chef and co-founder of Kis Cafe in San Francisco, has issued a public apology after facing intense backlash over his treatment of content creator Karla during a pre-arranged collaboration at the restaurant.

The apology, posted on Instagram on 27 July, comes days after Sung stepped down from the business amid growing criticism.

The incident, which sparked viral outrage on social media, began when Karla posted a TikTok accusing Sung of mocking her follower count and humiliating her during a scheduled shoot at the Hayes Valley café.

Now, in his first direct response, Sung has taken full responsibility for his behaviour, admitting he acted in a manner that was 'condescending, hurtful, and intimidating.'

What Did Luke Sung Say in His Apology?

In a written statement shared via Kis Cafe's Instagram account, Sung addressed Karla directly: 'Karla – I am truly sorry for my actions towards you. I was condescending, hurtful, and intimidating. You did not deserve to be made to feel less than or unimportant. Nobody does.'

He added that he had already apologised to Karla privately and made the decision to leave Kis Cafe before releasing the public statement.

Sung expressed gratitude to Karla for 'teaching [him] a valuable lesson in kindness and respect' and said there were 'no excuses to be made.'

He acknowledged that the damage caused was his alone and emphasised that his actions should not reflect on anyone else connected to the restaurant.

Impact on Staff and Family

Sung extended his apology to the entire Kis Cafe team, acknowledging the strain his behaviour placed on the people he worked with.

'My behaviour should not be a reflection on anyone else who works there or anyone who is related to me,' he wrote. 'I truly care about my staff and am devastated that my actions have impacted both them and their families.'

He added that many employees had worked with him for years and that it pained him to know their careers were now affected by a mistake he fully owns.

'They are incredible people who don't deserve to suffer due to my behaviour,' Sung said.

How the Controversy Unfolded

The controversy began on 19 July, when Karla arrived at Kis Cafe for a planned collaboration. In her TikTok, which quickly went viral, she claimed Sung belittled her follower count and questioned her presence at the café loudly enough for others to hear.

The video drew widespread backlash online, prompting calls for accountability and transparency.

Shortly after, Kis Cafe released a statement confirming that Sung was no longer involved in any capacity and had reached out to Karla privately to apologise.

Public Support from Daughter Isa Sung

In the days following the incident, Sung's daughter, Isa (Isabelle), also took to TikTok to express her support for Karla and to distance herself from her father's conduct. In his apology, Sung acknowledged Isa's public stance and addressed her directly.

'I am ashamed that you had to own up for my mistake,' he wrote. 'All I have ever wanted was to give you the opportunity to create a better life for yourself, and I've failed you in the worst way.'

Sung went on to reflect on his hopes for his children's future, expressing regret that his actions had exposed them to criticism and public scrutiny.

'Instead of setting you up for success, I gave the public nothing but a reason to tear you down,' he said.

How the Statement Concluded

Sung ended the apology by extending it to his family, staff, the broader hospitality community, and anyone affected by his actions.

'I hope you will accept my apology, and thank you for taking the time to listen to me,' he wrote.

The fallout from the incident continues to generate conversation around professionalism in the hospitality industry, the role of influencers in modern marketing, and the responsibilities of business owners in an age of public accountability.