TikTok chef’s resurfaced tweets about Black women spark backlash

Chef Way rose to fame on TikTok with more than 250,000 followers, 2.7 million likes and over 250,000 followers. But now, the social media influencer who is an assistant district attorney in Texas is facing backlash for his previous comments belittling Black women — particularly those with dark skin.

Chef Way, who is actually Waymond Wesley, deleted a number of tweets dating back to 2015. In one resurfaced tweet, Wesley shared a photo of a Black woman, calling her “too dark.” In another tweet, he also posted a photo of a Black woman alongside a photo of a dumpster, comparing the two and writing that he saw “no difference.”

His comments are drawing backlash from many Black women via social media like @FromAerin who has resurfaced screenshots Both the account and tweets were deleted. One user said she witnessed Wesley’s tweets “in real time” and that he “bullied dark skinned Black women and girls to the point where they deleted their accounts.”

In a tweet, another user said that Wesley caused “immeasurable” harm by harassing Black women and girls and that his “accountability is long overdue.”

Wesley apologized via his Twitter account @ChefWay__ last week for his previous comments, as users have resurfaced them.

“To those I’ve hurt with my past tweets that have resurfaced, I am deeply sorry,” he wrote. “That was a moment in my life where I was sick in more ways than one. Cooking saved me. You have witnessed a man who was flawed heal. I will continue learning and healing. Thanks for being along for the journey.”

While many are angered at Wesley’s past comments, some are giving him a chance to redeem himself. You can find out more about Wesley here. statement issued to ABC News from Harris County, Texas, District Attorney Kim Ogg she stated how Wesley, who works in her office, is still recovering from past issues and that she is a “believer in second chances.”

“Mr. Wesley has explained that these posts came during a period in which he was struggling with serious personal issues, including alcohol addiction,” the statement read. “Prior to joining our office, Mr. Wesley went through treatment and has worked with the State Bar of Texas to resolve his issues. His recovery is ongoing. I believe in second chances and Mr. Wesley has been a professional since joining our staff. I am confident that will continue.”

Ogg’s office has not replied to NBC News’ request for comment.

Some companies, however, have severed ties with Wesley as a social media chef. These include Tastemade, a food and travel network, and Anova Culinary (a San Francisco-based cooking company). Anova CEO Stephen Svajian announced Monday on Twitter that the company was ending its affiliation with Wesley “asap” and that he doesn’t represent the values of the brand.

“I believe that brands are about values. We want to partner with individuals that reflect our own values,” Svajian tweeted. “Chef way clearly does not represent the values that we hold dear. Those who called it out were greatly appreciated. We need to do a better job vetting people that represent our brand.”

Despite Wesley’s apology, and the statement from the DA’s office, many on social media say his previous actions remain unforgivable.

“Women of color have been too forgiving in the past, which put some of us in undesirable positions and unhealthy situations,” one user tweeted. “Accepting this apology may not be in our best interests at this time.”

This article was first published on NBCNews.com