Story perspectives
Journalist Faces Backlash for Emoji Tribute to Food Influencer
11/12/2025
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Story summary
- NBC Los Angeles sports journalist Michael J. Duarte posted a one-emoji response to the death of food influencer Michael Duarte, triggering backlash.
- The tweet included a 'mind blown' emoji and drew over 153,000 likes, with some users calling it tasteless.
- Bear Mountain BBQ honored the food influencer Michael Duarte with a tribute after his death from a tragic incident.