Bengaluru’s Basque Bakery defends its viral 'rude' Instagram replies, tells ‘haters’ ‘we prefer not to have you’

People on social media have been talking about a bakery in Bengaluru after its replies to Instagram comments started spreading online. Many users shared screenshots of the replies. Some people felt the replies were rude, while others supported the bakery.The Koramangala-based Basque Bakery later shared a public statement about the controversy. Instead of apologising, the founders explained their side and stood by what they had said earlier.The statement began with the line, “WE WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE RECENT BACKLASH SURROUNDING A COMMENT WE MADE ON ONE OF OUR REELS.”The founders acknowledged that their response had drawn attention. “We understand that our response was bold. However, we are equally aware of the demeaning remarks being made, such as 'overpriced' and 'tasteless.’ This is our moment to share our side of the story. We would like to break down the reality of our Brand's situation.”They also alleged that some individuals visit the bakery without making purchases and later post negative remarks online. According to the statement, “then make manipulative claims of rudeness when they are not entertained. We have also observed a recurring pattern of the same individuals returning repeatedly, despite their persistent negativity toward us. We have come to realise that authentic talent, especially at a brand level, is deeply underappreciated and undervalued in our country due to the normalisation of scam culture.”In their statement, the founders said they started the bakery without “investors, funding or familial financial support.”The founders also mentioned their employee policies, stating that staff work six-hour shifts and are paid above average wages.The bakery also defended its reservation-only system. The founders wrote that “only the exceptional can recognise exceptionality.”They added that their direct responses online were deliberate and said they do not intend to serve everyone. They wrote that they prefer not to cater to those who focus on “money and quantity over real value,” and stated they would rather not have “haters” as customers.The statement itself triggered further discussion online. Some social media users said the bakery had the right to explain its position, while others criticised the tone of the message and described parts of it as arrogant or dismissive.The discussion around the bakery is still ongoing on social media, with people continuing to share different opinions about its replies and statement.Disclaimer: This article is based on the statement shared by the bakery on its official social media account and the reactions posted by users online. The quotes used are from those public posts. The Times of India has not independently verified these claims and is reporting them as part of the online conversation.Thumb image: Canva (for represenative purposes only)