Genk Restaurant Hit by Fake Reviews After Viral TikTok Video

A recently opened fine dining restaurant in Genk, Belgium, has been inundated with fake negative reviews after a TikTok video went viral, prompting its owner to warn that such online attacks could spell the end for small independent businesses. The incident has reignited debate about the power of social media to destroy reputations built over years.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, chef-owner Ramis Pirigam of Carne, located at Vennestraat 78 in Genk, says the vast majority of negative reviews his restaurant received came from people who had never set foot in the establishment.

How the Controversy Unfolded

The trouble began in early June 2026 when Chris Nsana (28), an Antwerp-based TikToker with approximately 16,000 followers who regularly posts restaurant reviews across Flanders, visited Carne and shared his experience online. While the initial video was partly positive, the restaurant responded with multiple comments under the post, including a cynical comparison between Nsana and celebrated Belgian chef Peter Goossens.

Nsana then posted a second video addressing the restaurant’s responses, which quickly went viral, amassing over 250,000 views. In the video, he expressed concern that the restaurant’s comments — including references to his meal being complimentary — were undermining his credibility as a reviewer.

“I didn’t make a video based on just one comment,” Nsana told HLN. “But from the moment my review was published, I got more than ten reactions from the restaurant under the video with texts like: ‘For a free 6-course menu, he was suddenly full.’ In my opinion, they were definitely suggesting something.”

The Fake Review Onslaught

Following the viral video, Carne was flooded with fake negative reviews from accounts that had never visited the restaurant. Pirigam described the situation as “particularly painful” for a business that had only recently opened its doors.

“We accept criticism from real customers without any problem,” Pirigam said. “But fake reviews give a completely wrong picture of a business. Most have since been removed, but every day we still get reactions from accounts that have never been here. For a small independent business, such actions can have enormous consequences. In the worst case, it could even mean the end of a business.”

De-escalation and Resolution

Recognizing the damage, Nsana posted a third video calling on his followers to stop posting fake negative reviews. He and Pirigam spoke by phone, with Nsana stating that the fake reviews were never his intention.

“I regret that various followers then started posting fake negative reactions about the restaurant,” Nsana said. “I never wanted this. I call on everyone who sees my video not to leave fake reviews and to stop doing so.”

Pirigam acknowledged the restaurant’s role in the escalation, admitting that the comparison to chef Peter Goossens was “perhaps a bit too quick” in hindsight. He also clarified that Nsana’s meal was complimentary due to reduced service during the exam period when the restaurant lacked floor staff, stressing that there were “absolutely no ulterior motives” behind the gesture.

Broader Implications for Small Businesses

The incident highlights a growing problem in the digital age: the vulnerability of small businesses to social media-driven reputation attacks. Research cited by industry observers indicates that one additional star in restaurant reviews can increase revenue by up to 9%, while 22% of diners will avoid a restaurant after reading just one negative review. After three negative reviews, that figure jumps to 59%.

Belgian hospitality businesses have been increasingly vocal about the damage caused by fake reviews. In February 2025, Flemish hospitality owners spoke out about their struggles, with one case involving a woman who had never visited a restaurant leaving negative reviews. Italy has introduced new regulations for review platforms, an initiative Belgian hospitality owners are watching with interest.

Legal Action Under Consideration

Pirigam is now exploring legal options against those who posted demonstrably false reviews. Under Belgian law, fake reviews can potentially be challenged under consumer protection legislation, and the EU’s Digital Services Act imposes obligations on online platforms regarding illegal content, including fake reviews.

“Many of these reactions seem to come from young teenagers who probably don’t realize the consequences of their actions,” Pirigam said. “People need to understand that posting fake reviews or false accusations can have legal consequences.”

What’s Next

While most fake reviews have been removed, the restaurant continues to receive reactions from accounts that have never visited. Pirigam is calling for stricter controls on review platforms and hopes the Flemish hospitality association Horeca Vlaanderen will take up the cause.

“Behind every business are people who invest for years, take risks, and work extremely hard to build something,” he said. “We should be a bit more generous with each other.”

The case serves as a cautionary tale for both businesses — in how they respond to online criticism — and content creators — in how they manage their audience’s reactions. As social media continues to blur the line between legitimate critique and coordinated attacks, the need for stronger safeguards has never been more apparent.