The Definitive Story: Who is the “Burger King Foot Lettuce” Guy?

The “Burger King foot lettuce” guy is Matt Watson, a comedian, musician, video editor, and internet personality best known as one half of the YouTube comedy duo SuperMega alongside Ryan Magee. However, his notoriety stems from his past work as an editor at Game Grumps, where he unintentionally became inextricably linked to the infamous “Burger King foot lettuce” incident.

The Incident: A Viral Nightmare

The “Burger King foot lettuce” incident refers to a 2012 YouTube video uploaded by a user named Connor, who went by the username “Chills.” Chills, known for his list videos covering bizarre or intriguing topics, created a video titled “Top 15 Facts About Burger King.” Fact number 15? A truly horrifying account of an anonymous Burger King employee allegedly photographing his feet on lettuce intended for sale.

The video gained traction, largely fueled by the sensational nature of the claim and the somewhat robotic, monotone narration of Chills himself. But it wasn’t Chills who truly cemented the phrase into internet infamy.

Matt Watson’s Role: An Unintentional Comedy Goldmine

Enter Matt Watson. As an editor for the YouTube channel Game Grumps, Matt was tasked with adding visual elements and flair to their Let’s Play videos. During one particular episode, a snippet of the “Burger King foot lettuce” video was used as a comedic visual gag.

Matt chose a specific frame from the video showing the purported photograph of feet on lettuce. He then applied a zooming effect and added an ominous, reverberating sound effect that amplified the absurdity and gross-out factor of the image.

This simple editing choice, executed with Watson’s signature comedic timing, transformed a moderately viral video into a full-blown internet phenomenon. The image, coupled with Chills’ deadpan delivery, became a meme template and a shorthand for disgust and food safety violations.

Beyond the Meme: Matt Watson’s Career

While the “Burger King foot lettuce” connection might be his most widely recognized association, Matt Watson is far more than just a meme. He’s a multifaceted creator with a diverse body of work:

• SuperMega: Alongside Ryan Magee, Matt co-founded the incredibly popular YouTube channel SuperMega, known for its gaming content, sketch comedy, podcasts, and general absurdist humor. SuperMega has amassed a dedicated following and is a testament to Matt and Ryan’s comedic talents and creative vision.

• Music: Matt is a talented musician, often incorporating original music into SuperMega videos. He also produces music under his own name, showcasing his diverse musical abilities.

• Editing and Production: Before SuperMega, Matt honed his skills as an editor and producer, working with various YouTube channels, including Game Grumps and Kids With Problems. His expertise in video editing and production is evident in the polished and professional quality of SuperMega’s content.

Therefore, while the “Burger King foot lettuce” association is undeniably a part of his online persona, it’s crucial to recognize Matt Watson as a skilled and versatile creator with a significant and independent body of work. The meme might have brought him wider attention, but his talent and dedication have sustained his success.

The Enduring Legacy of “Burger King Foot Lettuce”

The “Burger King foot lettuce” meme continues to endure as a testament to the internet’s ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. It exemplifies how a single image, coupled with the right context and comedic timing, can become a cultural touchstone.

For Matt Watson, the meme represents a somewhat bittersweet aspect of his career. While he recognizes its role in his online journey, he also strives to be recognized for his broader creative output. Ultimately, “Burger King foot lettuce” serves as a humorous, if slightly unsettling, reminder of the power of viral content and the unpredictable nature of internet fame.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Did the “Burger King foot lettuce” incident actually happen?

The veracity of the original “Burger King foot lettuce” claim remains unconfirmed. While the video gained significant attention, there was never any conclusive evidence presented to definitively prove that the incident occurred. It remains a piece of internet lore, shrouded in speculation and urban legend.

2. How did Matt Watson react to becoming associated with the meme?

Initially, Matt Watson seemed amused by the meme and its widespread popularity. He often referenced it in SuperMega videos and acknowledged its role in boosting his online profile. However, as the meme’s lifespan extended, he expressed a desire to be recognized for his other creative endeavors.

3. Does Burger King acknowledge the “foot lettuce” meme?

Burger King has never officially acknowledged the “foot lettuce” meme in its marketing or public relations. Given the potentially damaging nature of the claim, it’s understandable that the company would choose to avoid associating itself with the incident.

4. Is Chills, the original narrator, still making videos?

Yes, Chills continues to produce videos on YouTube. His content largely consists of similar list-based videos covering a variety of topics, maintaining his signature monotone narration style.

5. What is SuperMega, and why is it popular?

SuperMega is a YouTube channel created by Matt Watson and Ryan Magee. Its popularity stems from its unique blend of gaming content, sketch comedy, podcasts, and absurdist humor. The duo’s comedic chemistry, creative editing, and willingness to experiment with different formats have cultivated a dedicated fanbase.

6. What other projects has Matt Watson been involved in?

Beyond Game Grumps and SuperMega, Matt Watson has worked on various other YouTube channels and projects, showcasing his editing and production skills. He has also pursued his musical interests, releasing original music and incorporating it into his videos.

7. How did Matt Watson and Ryan Magee meet?

Matt Watson and Ryan Magee met while working at Polaris, a multi-channel network that hosted several popular YouTube channels. They quickly bonded over their shared sense of humor and creative vision, leading to the eventual creation of SuperMega.

8. What kind of music does Matt Watson make?

Matt Watson’s music encompasses a variety of genres, including electronic, pop, and experimental. His music is often characterized by its quirky melodies, layered instrumentation, and introspective lyrics.

9. How can I support Matt Watson and SuperMega?

You can support Matt Watson and SuperMega by subscribing to their YouTube channel, watching their videos, listening to their podcasts, purchasing their merchandise, and engaging with their content on social media.

10. Has the “foot lettuce” incident affected Burger King’s business?

It’s difficult to quantify the direct impact of the “foot lettuce” incident on Burger King’s business. While the meme generated negative publicity, it’s unlikely to have had a significant long-term effect on the company’s overall sales or reputation.

11. Are there any other famous food-related internet memes that are similar?

Yes, the internet is rife with food-related memes, ranging from humorous depictions of culinary mishaps to satirical commentary on food culture. Some notable examples include the “Salt Bae” meme, the “Distracted Boyfriend” meme featuring ramen noodles, and various memes referencing specific fast-food items or brands.

12. Is Matt Watson happy with being known as the “Burger King foot lettuce” guy?

While Matt Watson acknowledges the meme’s role in his online journey, he ultimately strives to be recognized for his broader creative output and the diverse body of work he has produced with SuperMega. The meme remains a somewhat bittersweet association, representing both a source of internet fame and a potential limitation on his artistic identity.