5 Shocking Facts About The Burger King Crown Guy Meme That Explain Its Viral Immortality

The Burger King Crown Guy Meme remains one of the internet’s most enduring and controversial viral sensations, a dark cultural touchstone that has transcended its chaotic origins. As of December 10, 2025, the image of a white man wearing a flimsy cardboard Burger King crown mid-meltdown continues to be referenced across social media platforms, serving as a shorthand for public entitlement, airline chaos, and the bizarre nature of internet fame.

This deep dive explores the full, unvarnished story of the man, the incident, the meme, and the strange "Kingposting" phenomenon that keeps this moment relevant years after it first exploded online. The true identity of the man remains largely unconfirmed by mainstream media, adding an extra layer of mystery to his unexpected viral immortality.

The Infamous JetBlue Incident: Origin of the Meme

The "Burger King Crown Guy" meme was born from a single, highly-publicized event that occurred in October 2020. This incident was captured on video and quickly disseminated across social media, launching the passenger into unwanted, anonymous stardom.

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The Chaotic Scene on a JetBlue Flight (October 2020)

The incident took place on a JetBlue flight preparing for takeoff from Kingston, Jamaica, bound for New York. A white male passenger, notably wearing a paper Burger King crown, became involved in a loud, aggressive, and ultimately racist tirade against a fellow passenger, a Black woman whom he accused of taking his seat and kneeing him in the stomach.

The man’s behavior quickly escalated, involving shouting and the use of a racial slur, which was all recorded and posted online. The combination of the racist language, the public setting on an airplane, and the surreal element of the fast-food crown created a perfect storm for viral infamy.

• Date of Incident: October 20, 2020
• Location: JetBlue flight, Kingston, Jamaica, to New York
• Key Element: A paper Burger King crown worn during the tirade
• Consequence: The man was removed by attendants and police and was subsequently banned from the airline.

The Man's Unconfirmed Identity

Despite the high-profile nature of the incident, the identity of the "Burger King Crown Guy" has never been officially or widely confirmed by major news outlets. This anonymity has allowed the meme to detach from the man and become a symbol. While some unverified online forums have suggested a name, no reputable source has published his full biographical details, maintaining his status as a mysterious viral figure.

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The Meme’s Evolution: From Outrage to "Kingposting"

What started as a video of public outrage quickly morphed into a complex and controversial internet meme. The image of the man in the crown became known as the "JetBlue Racist Burger King" and, more simply, the "Crown Guy."

1. The Symbolism of the Cardboard Crown

The Burger King crown is the single most defining and ironic feature of the meme. It instantly transforms a serious incident of air rage into a piece of absurd digital content. The crown, a cheap symbol of temporary, fast-food royalty, starkly contrasts with the man’s aggressive behavior, amplifying the sense of misplaced entitlement and making the image instantly memorable and mockable.

2. The Birth of "Kingposting"

The meme’s adoption by certain corners of the internet, particularly on platforms like 4chan’s /tv/ and /pol/ boards, led to the creation of a subculture known as "Kingposting." This phenomenon involved users creating images and parodies of the scene, often controversially praising the man and calling him "The King."

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This practice highlights a darker side of meme culture, where figures involved in controversial or offensive incidents are ironically—or sometimes sincerely—elevated to "king" status, often as a form of edgy humor or provocation. The term "Kingposting" itself is now an entity used to describe this specific type of meme content.

3. Cultural Impact and Airline Policy Changes

The viral nature of the Burger King Crown Guy incident had real-world implications, further cementing its place in internet history. The event contributed to a broader conversation about air rage, passenger conduct, and the rapid spread of controversial content.

The Air Rage Phenomenon

The incident occurred during a period (the COVID-19 pandemic era) that saw a significant rise in air rage incidents globally. The "Crown Guy" became one of the most visible and widely shared examples of a passenger meltdown, contributing to the public perception of increased chaos in air travel. The man was permanently banned from JetBlue, a common consequence for such severe breaches of conduct.

4. The Rumored "Crown Ban" on Flights

A widely circulated rumor online, often cited in discussions about the meme, suggests that the incident led to a policy change where airlines or even Burger King restaurants began banning the paper crowns. While this claim is difficult to verify as an official, widespread policy, the fact that it is frequently mentioned demonstrates the meme's significant cultural footprint. The idea that a simple paper crown could be associated with such a severe incident is a testament to the meme's power.

5. The Meme's Immortality and Ongoing Relevance Today

Years after the initial video, the Burger King Crown Guy is not just a relic of 2020; he is a recurring motif in internet culture. This ongoing relevance is driven by several factors:

• TikTok and Compilation Videos: The meme continues to be featured in TikTok compilations and "What Happened To..." style videos, introducing the controversial figure to new generations of social media users.
• Deadstiny Content References: The figure has been referenced in niche online communities, such as those discussing "Deadstiny content," showing its use as a versatile, recognizable reference point in various online discussions.
• A Symbol of Entitlement: The image has evolved beyond the specific incident to become a generic symbol of a person acting aggressively or displaying misplaced arrogance, a visual shorthand for "the main character syndrome" in a public setting.

The Burger King Crown Guy Meme is a powerful example of how a moment of public failure, amplified by a bizarre visual element, can achieve a form of permanent, anonymous digital fame. It remains a stark reminder of the thin line between reality and internet absurdity.