A video recorded during celebrations following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in Miami Beach has sparked widespread reaction on social media after showing an altercation that ended with racist remarks made by the owner of the Taco Rico restaurant in West Kendall.
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The video, posted by the social media page Only in Dade, captures part of the confrontation. It shows a man wearing a Mexican national team jersey celebrating with a group of Argentine fans when a woman appears to push him. The man was later identified as content creator “MikeFrmFlawda,” who continues chanting.
Moments later, a man confirmed to be Rene Seghini, the owner of Taco Rico West Kendall, can be heard using a racist slur directed at the Black influencer while the woman repeatedly tries to cover Seghini’s mouth. The video quickly went viral, generating thousands of reactions online.
Later, Only in Dade posted another video showing the influencer being briefly detained by Miami Beach Police officers.
Miami Beach Police confirmed to NBC6 that officers responded to the incident, spoke with both parties, and instructed them to end the confrontation. Police said that at the time they responded, officers had not seen the viral video and were unaware that any physical contact had occurred.
“Mikefrmflawda” is known for posting prank-style videos in which he approaches strangers to provoke reactions for social media content. NBC6 tried contacting him for this report but has not heard back.
Fabián Miranda, a Taco Rico customer, told NBC6 that, in his opinion, the influencer was trying to provoke a reaction.
“The person that was the Youtuber influencer, that he was kind of like agitating and kind of getting a response from them, and he did,” Miranda said.
Owner acknowledges incident and apologizes
Rene Seghini released a public statement acknowledging that he used a racist slur and apologizing for his actions.
“I used a racist and hurtful slur, and there is no excuse for it. I am deeply sorry, and I owe a direct apology to the Black community, who I hurt with my words, along with everyone else who was rightfully harmed by my poor actions. That language is wrong, it does not reflect who I want to be, and I take full responsibility for it”
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He also apologized to his family, employees, fellow franchise owners, and the community, saying none of them should be held responsible for his actions.
“The team members at the West Kendall franchise are community members with families of their own. They played no part in this situation, and they do not deserve any hostility, harsh judgment, or retaliation. I ask the public to allow our innocent staff and other locations to continue their work in peace.”
Seghini said he will undergo anti-racism training and work to regain the trust of the community.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident.
Taco Rico condemns the incident
Following the controversy, Taco Rico issued several statements condemning all forms of discrimination.
“Taco Rico Corporate is aware of the video showing the franchisee and owner of our West Kendall location, using a racial slur. We want to be unequivocal: this language is racist, indefensible, and has no place in our company or our communities.
The West Kendall franchise is under formal review by Taco Rico Corporate. This review will assess the franchisee’s continued fitness to operate under our brand, in accordance with the terms of our Franchise Agreement, and will determine what corrective actions are warranted.
Taco Rico was built more than 34 years ago on the principle that every guest, employee, and community member is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
We recognize that words alone are not enough. We are taking direct, concrete steps, and we will update our guests, franchise owners, employees, and community as this review progresses.
To the Black community and to everyone who was rightfully angered and hurt by this video: we hear you, we stand with you, and we are acting on it.”
Other restaurants respond
Other local Taco Rico restaurants operating under the same brand also issued statements emphasizing that they are independently owned and operated.
Tato González, owner of Taco Rico Homestead, spoke with NBC6.
“It’s taken a long time for us to build what we have built on the reviews and now we are just getting hammered on the reviews, them now being negative. That is something that had nothing to do with us,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez says his store opened two years ago and has had numerous accolades and positive reviews. He went on to say that the behavior seen in the viral post is not one he tolerates at his establishment.
“Everybody is treated the same, my son and everybody. Nobody is better than anybody, so what happened, what happened at the moment was very disturbing. I didn’t know how the situation, how much it was going to blow up, but obviously when things go viral nowadays it’s hurting all of us,” he said.
González said other Taco Rico restaurants have received numerous negative online reviews despite having no connection to the incident. He also stressed that the behavior seen in the viral video does not reflect the values of his business.
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