Guy Fieri branded 'cowardly' by fans after apologizing for embracing Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan at UFC event

Guy Fieri has been blasted 'cowardly' by fans after he apologized for embracing the controversial Tate brothers at a recent UFC event.

After catching flak for his warm greeting with Andrew Tate, 39, and brother Tristan, 37, at the Miami event this past Saturday, the Food Network star, 58, issued a groveling statement via X addressing the backlash and saying he is 'devastated' by it.

But a number of fans questioned his remorse, with one writing, 'Pretty cowardly to apologize for saying hello to someone.'

'I can't believe you are apologizing for meeting someone you did not know,' another added. 

'This is a very cowardly response for taking a photo with no no people, flavor man.' 

'Bro why are you apologizing for being cordial with someone at a public event. You look goofy. Stop it,' someone else chimed in.

'NEVER apologize. Trying to appease lunatics is futile at best.'

'You don’t owe anyone any explanation,' someone else added. 

'Love them, hate them, or have no idea who they are it's nobody’s business. You’re allowed to have a private life.'

'Never apologize, Guy. You were just being a nice guy.' 

In his apology statement, Fieri said. 'I'm seeing all of your comments about the photo from Saturday's UFC event and all I can say is that I'm devastated.'

Fieri explained in detail what happened when he was seen shaking hands and greeting the siblings at the Procházka vs. Ulberg event held at the Kaseya Center.

'I was there to see the fights,' he said, 'and when I was walking through the venue, the Tate brothers stood up and said hello and that's when the [exchange] happened.'

The celeb chef said on social media on Tuesday that he was unaware of their background - they have denied multiple allegations of sexual assault and human trafficking made outside of the U.S. - heading into Saturday's event.

'I did not know them or about them before that moment,' Fieri said. 'I'll never pretend to be a perfect person but let me be crystal clear, I do not know the Tate brothers nor do I support them in any way.' 

The interaction, which was seemingly filmed by bystanders, appeared to be a pleasant one and Fieri smiled as he tapped Andrew's arm and spoke with both siblings. 

Footage of the interaction was shared widely on social media much to the disappointment of fans who have called for an explanation.

Taking to Instagram, one said: 'I'm really looking forward to the explanation for this one, the 'Mayor of Flavor Town' having a blast with the 'Mayor of Misogyny Town.' 

'I wonder what all the female chefs on the Guy Fieri Network are going to think about this, or is the money worth it.'

Another simply wrote: 'DISAPPOINTED,' while one vowed Fieri had been 'cancelled' in their house after embracing the Tates. One said, 'I'm disgusted. No more of his shows in my house!'  

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Fieri and the Food Network for comment. 

In December 2022, both Tate brothers were detained in Romania for a criminal investigation on accusations of human trafficking which saw them held in police custody for months as a preventative pre-trial measure.

The Bucharest court of appeals relaxed the measure to ​house arrest in 2023 and later to regular check-ins with the police. Last week, a Romanian court lifted all preventative judicial control measures against the internet personality and his brother.

Both Tates, who have dual U.S. and British citizenship, have denied all wrongdoing.

The brothers also face 21 UK charges including rape, trafficking, and assault and will be extradited after Romanian ​trial proceedings finish, a Romanian court ruled.

Andrew Tate faces 10 charges related to three women that include rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain.

Tristan Tate faces 11 charges related to one woman that include rape, human trafficking and actual bodily harm. Both brothers have denied any wrongdoing in response to the allegations.

Last month, the Hertfordshire Constabulary in the UK announced that they would be reinvestigating the reports of rape and sexual assault made against Andrew in 2014 and 2015.

Andrew, who describes himself as a misogynist, has gained millions of online fans by promoting an ​ultra-masculine lifestyle.

He is known as the 'king of toxic masculinity' and has cultivated a huge following in the manosphere space.

Together, they preach financial freedom; wealth generation and entrepreneurship; and mental and physical discipline as it relates to the subjugation of women.