A London restaurant owner who faced widespread backlash over statements supporting the Israel regime’s attacks on Gaza and mocking the suffering of Palestinians has said his business is on the verge of closure due to a boycott campaign.

Harman Singh Kapoor, an Indian-origin Sikh businessman who owns Singh's Dining restaurant in London, appealed for public support after claiming that his business had suffered a sharp decline in customers following his controversial social media posts about Gaza.

Kapoor said the restaurant had become increasingly empty, revenues had fallen and he was struggling with financial pressures, including rent costs. He also claimed that online reviews targeting his business had been manipulated and criticized platforms such as Google over the situation.

Controversial Gaza posts triggered boycott calls

Kapoor had previously shared several videos and posts in which he expressed support for the Israel regime’s military actions in Gaza and made remarks that were widely criticized for appearing to mock the suffering of Palestinians.

The posts sparked anger on social media, with many users calling for a boycott of his restaurant. Following the backlash, Kapoor said the number of customers visiting the business declined significantly.

In a post on X that reportedly received more than 13 million views, Kapoor appealed for support and spoke about the financial difficulties facing his restaurant.

His previous statements, including comments that he would not serve halal meat at his restaurant, also drew criticism, particularly because the business operates in an area with a significant Muslim population.

Social media users continue criticism

Kapoor’s appeal for support did not receive the response he appeared to expect. Many social media users linked the restaurant’s financial difficulties to his statements regarding Gaza and described the boycott as a consumer response to his public views.

Some users also shared negative reviews about the restaurant’s food quality, hygiene and service, while others said they had stopped visiting because of Kapoor’s public statements.

Supporters of the boycott argued that consumers have the right to choose whether to support businesses whose owners publicly express political positions they disagree with.

Debate over political statements and business consequences

The controversy surrounding Kapoor’s restaurant has renewed discussions in Britain over the consequences public figures and business owners may face after expressing political views on international conflicts.

While Kapoor has described the criticism against him as unfair and blamed external factors for the decline in business, opponents argue that the boycott reflects public reaction to his own statements.

The case has become another example of how businesses and public figures can face economic consequences when their political positions become the focus of widespread public debate.(ILKHA)