Guy Fieri Quietly Launches New Drink Collaboration Amid Controversy
Mayor of Flavortown Guy Fierihas been making headlines this week, although not for the reasons the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives star would like to be. At UFC 327 over the weekend, Fieri was seen interacting with brothers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate, both of whom are under investigation for serious allegations.
The brothers currently face 21 total criminal charges in the United Kingdom (UK), including allegations of rape and assault, and there are separate human trafficking charges in a Romanian case. In light of this, clips of Fieri seemingly having a friendly interaction with the brothers at UFC 327 led to swift and intense backlash online.
Fieri has since issued a statement about the incident, saying that he is "devastated" and explaining, "I was there to see the fights, and when I was walking through the venue, the Tate brothers stood up and said hello, and that's when the exchanged happened. I did not know them or about them before that moment."
"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," Fieri's statement added.
Amid this controversy, the decision was made to cancel an event with Fieri and Waterloo Sparkling Water that was set to take place in New York City on the evening of the 16th, celebrating their collaboration on three new, limited-time flavors: Apple Pie à la Mode, Coconut Lime Cooler and Root Beer Float. These flavors and this second-year collab between Fieri and the brand were meant to celebrate America 250.
While the flavors will still be rolled out, the collaboration will no longer be formally announced, and the Waterloo Sparkling Water website seems to be scrubbed of any mention of the new drink flavors or the 2026 partnership with Fieri (although articles about previous team-ups with Fieri remain on the site).
The UK trial against the Tate brothers is expected to begin in June 2026.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available 24 hours a day through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 9:32 AM.