Home / Arts and Entertainment / NBC Reporter's Viral Reaction to Namesake's Death Draws Criticism
NBC Reporter's Viral Reaction to Namesake's Death Draws Criticism
12 Nov
Summary
- NBC reporter's single-emoji response to food influencer's death goes viral
- Some users call the reaction "tasteless," while others joke he's "the first to read his own condolences"
- Food influencer Michael Duarte died following a "horrible incident" on Saturday
On November 12, 2025, an NBC Los Angeles sports journalist named Michael J. Duarte found himself at the center of a controversy after his viral reaction to the death of a food influencer who shared his first and last name.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the food influencer, known online as FoodWithBearHands, had passed away following a "horrible incident" on the previous Saturday. The news of his death prompted Duarte, the NBC reporter, to post a single-emoji response that has since garnered more than 153,000 likes.
While some users responded positively to Duarte's message, joking that he was "the first person to read his own condolences," others criticized the sports personality for his reaction. Several comments described the post as a "tasteless joke" and advised that "a bit of decency would be welcomed" when addressing someone's passing.
