On March 15, 2025, Belfast Breakfast Baps, a café located on Woodstock Road in Belfast, posted a contentious message on their Facebook page. Stephen Nolan was not shy to give his opinion.

The post featured an image of a mobility scooter accompanied by a caption stating:​

“If you’re in one of these because you’re morbidly obese please know you are not disabled, you’re fat and probably not very useful. IT MOST DEFINITELY IS YOUR FAULT. Thyroid issues are workable and you are taking away resources from those who actually deserve … How about park the mobility scooter and … .”​

This post quickly garnered backlash, with many accusing the café of fat-shaming and displaying insensitivity towards individuals with obesity and mobility issues.​

Stephen Nolan’s Confrontation at the Café

In response to the controversial post, Stephen Nolan, a prominent TV and radio presenter based in Northern Ireland, decided to address the issue directly. On March 18, 2025, Nolan visited Belfast Breakfast Baps to confront the owner, Mark Young, about the offensive content. The encounter was captured on CCTV, showing Nolan entering the café and engaging in a brief conversation with Young before being escorted out.

Following the incident, both parties shared videos of the confrontation on social media platforms. Belfast Breakfast Baps posted the footage with the caption:

“When Nolan shows up to stir … .”​

Nolan also shared his perspective on his radio show, recounting the encounter and expressing his concerns over the café’s stance on obesity.

Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash

The incident sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users expressing support for Nolan and criticizing the café’s owner for his insensitive comments and handling of the situation. One user commented:​

“Place looks dead. Can you … ?”

Another added:​

“I am on Stephen Nolan’s … person dictating how people should live … Open up a smoothie bar or a … café. Or just keep your opinions … .”

The café’s original post and subsequent actions have been widely condemned, with many calling for a boycott of the establishment.​

The Broader Conversation on Obesity and Public Perception

This incident has reignited discussions about obesity, public perception, and the responsibility of business owners when expressing personal opinions on public platforms. While business owners have the right to their personal views, sharing them in a manner that alienates or insults potential customers can have significant repercussions.​

The confrontation between Stephen Nolan and the owner of Belfast Breakfast B … highlights the potential fallout from sharing insensitive content on social media. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and consideration in public discourse, especially on topics as sensitive as obesity and disability.​

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