Kis Cafe's Ex-Chef Luke Sung Claps Back at Cancel Culture and He Has a Point — Were Things Taken Too Far?

Luke Sung, a well-known San Francisco chef and former owner of Kis Cafe, has spoken out after a viral TikTok video accused him of abusive behavior, saying the fallout has devastated his career and family. The claims, posted earlier this year, drew widespread online attention and led to what Sung calls 'being cancelled overnight'.

Speaking publicly this week, Sung insisted the allegations were based on false assumptions and said the influencer behind the video failed to check the facts before sharing it with her large audience.

What Happened

The controversy began when Bay Area TikTok creator Karla Marcotte (@itskarlabb) posted a video accusing Sung of mistreating her and others during visits to Kis Cafe. The clip quickly spread across social media, sparking anger and calls for boycotts. Within days, Sung says he was losing bookings, facing harassment and receiving threats.

According to the New York Post, Sung maintains the events portrayed in the video were misrepresented and says he can prove parts of the story were untrue. 'She didn't do her homework', he said, claiming the video lacked key context about the incidents it described.

When Did It Unfold

The video was posted earlier in 2025 and went viral within 48 hours. The backlash was immediate, leading to Sung's departure from Kis Cafe and retreat from San Francisco's food scene. His first detailed public response came in mid-July 2025, months after the incident, in an interview where he addressed the allegations directly.

The claims and fallout center on Kis Cafe, a small but popular eatery in San Francisco's Hayes Valley known for its fusion menu and loyal local following. Sung had been a prominent figure in the city's culinary community, making regular appearances at food festivals and events.

Who Are the Key Figures

Sung is the central figure accused in the viral post. The influencer, Karla Marcotte, is a Bay Area content creator with a substantial TikTok following. She alleged Sung displayed unprofessional and aggressive behavior during customer interactions.

Sung, who has since stepped back from running a restaurant, says the backlash damaged not only his career but also his personal life, describing the strain on his family as 'unbearable'.

Why Does Sung Say the Backlash Was Unfair

In his view, the online reaction punished him without due process. He argues that cancel culture amplifies one-sided narratives, making it difficult for accused individuals to correct the record once public opinion turns.

Sung says that by the time he had a chance to respond, the damage was done, and opportunities in the food industry had evaporated.

How He is Responding Now

Sung is now speaking out to challenge the original claims, calling for more accountability from influencers who make allegations to large audiences. He says he wants the public to understand there are 'two sides to every story' and is considering legal action to clear his name.

While he acknowledges that chefs and business owners should be held to high standards, he insists false accusations should be addressed with equal seriousness.