MKBHD condemns Dbrand for racist behavior toward Indian customer
What's the story
Renowned YouTuber Marques Brownlee, popularly known as MKBHD, has decided to end his association with Canadian mobile accessories firm, Dbrand. The latter has come under fire for racially insensitive remark made to an Indian customer on X. In a social media post, MKBHD stated that he won't be working with Dbrand until the original post is deleted. The YouTuber stressed that while humor is permissible, the online reaction to the incident is evident, and the harm caused is unnecessary.
About the case
Dbrand facing backlash over racially insensitive remark
The controversy was ignited when Bhuwan Chitransh, an Indian living in the Netherlands, expressed dissatisfaction about his MacBook's Dbrand skin changing color within a few months of purchase. Instead of addressing the issue, Dbrand chose to mock Chitransh's surname, sparking widespread criticism and attracting over eight million views. MKBHD's stance has amplified the backlash faced by Dbrand. He has over 18.5M subscribers on YouTube and has interviewed tech titans such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sundar Pichai.
Twitter Post
Here's how Dbrand responded to Chitransh's complaint
Your last name is basically shit rash, be serious https://t.co/SmQd5So5bS
— dbrand (@dbrand) April 9, 2024
Apology issued
Company apologizes and offers compensation after backlash
Despite the initial refusal to remove the offensive post, Dbrand eventually succumbed to mounting pressure and criticism. The company apologized to Chitransh and offered him $10,000 as a gesture of goodwill. In their statement, Dbrand acknowledged their mistake, admitting that they made fun of the guy's name and that it was a huge fumble. They apologized to him directly and offered compensation.
Twitter Post
MKBHD condemns Dbrand for racist comment
@dbrand Won't be working with dbrand until that original tweet is deleted, at least. You're allowed to make shitty jokes, but the internet has made it pretty clear what it think about this one, and the harm from it is unnecessary
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) April 11, 2024
I've been around long enough to see a LOT of…
Stance maintained
Social media approach remains unchanged: Dbrand
Despite the apology, Dbrand has stated that their approach to social media engagement will remain unchanged. They declared that they have been poking fun at customers for over a decade and have no intention of stopping. The Canadian accessories firm said that maybe next time someone else might be the recipient of $10,000.
Further action
Customer seeks attention from Indian officials
In response to the incident, Chitransh has also taken steps to bring further attention to Dbrand's disrespectful behavior toward Indian customers. He tagged Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, on social media. This move by Chitransh aims to highlight the brand's insensitive conduct and potentially prompt action from the authorities.