The Tragic Crown: 7 Shocking Updates On The Burger King Crown Guy, Ryan Brewer

The "Burger King Crown Guy" became one of the internet's most infamous viral figures in late 2020, capturing global attention not for a heroic deed, but for a disturbing incident that exposed a deeper, more tragic personal story. The man behind the cardboard crown, Ryan Brewer, was quickly branded a racist meme, but the full context of his meltdown on a JetBlue flight from Jamaica to New York paints a picture far more complex than a simple 15-second clip. As of today, December 15, 2025, the narrative surrounding Brewer has shifted from one of outrage to a cautionary tale about mental health, homelessness, and the often-cruel nature of viral fame. This deep dive uncovers the latest, most crucial updates on Ryan Brewer, detailing his life before the incident, the controversy that made him a household name, and the shocking trajectory of his life in the years following his fall from grace. We explore the legal fallout, the public’s attempts to help, and the bizarre way his story was immortalized in music and meme culture.

The Man Behind the Crown: Ryan Brewer’s Profile

The man known globally as the "Burger King Crown Guy" is Ryan Brewer. His story, though heavily documented through viral videos, is mired in speculation and the fragmented details of a life lived on the fringes.

• Full Name: Ryan Brewer
• Viral Nickname: The Burger King Crown Guy, Burger King Racist
• Primary Incident Date: October 2020
• Location of Incident: JetBlue Flight (Kingston, Jamaica, to New York, USA)
• Alleged Mental Health Condition: Schizophrenia
• Controversy: Racist tirade, shouting the N-word, and aggressive behavior toward a fellow passenger and crew
• Post-Incident Status: Banned from JetBlue, subject of multiple arrests, and the focus of a widely shared tragic backstory
• Pet: Reportedly owns a dog named Milo

The Viral Meltdown: What Really Happened on the JetBlue Flight

The incident that launched Ryan Brewer into internet infamy occurred on a JetBlue flight in October 2020. What started as an argument over a seat quickly escalated into a shocking display of aggression and racial abuse.

The core of the viral footage shows Brewer, notably wearing a paper Burger King crown, screaming racial slurs, specifically the N-word, at a woman he accused of taking his seat and allegedly kneeing him in the stomach. The explicit language and aggressive behavior caused significant disruption and distress to other passengers, including families with children.

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The crown itself became the defining symbol of the incident. While to the public it was a bizarre accessory to a racist outburst, the backstory, later circulated by those attempting to humanize Brewer, suggested a far more poignant meaning. Reports indicate that Brewer had been struggling with homelessness, sleeping on beaches in Jamaica, and surviving on cheap meals. The crown, allegedly given to him by a Burger King employee, was cherished by Brewer as a "symbol of hope" during his struggles. This context, while not excusing his actions, added a layer of tragedy to his viral notoriety.

As a result of the incident, JetBlue took swift action, permanently banning Ryan Brewer from the airline. The video quickly went viral across platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube, cementing his identity as the "Burger King Crown Guy."

7 Shocking Updates on Ryan Brewer’s Life Post-Controversy

The story of Ryan Brewer did not end when he was escorted off the JetBlue flight. His life post-controversy has been marked by continued struggles, legal troubles, and a strange intersection with internet culture. Here are the most significant updates on the "Burger King Crown Guy."

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1. Multiple Arrests and Ongoing Legal Troubles

The viral incident was not an isolated event. Reports and online discussions indicate that Ryan Brewer has been arrested "several times" since the JetBlue incident. His ongoing struggles, often linked to his alleged mental health issues, have led to repeated encounters with law enforcement. While specific charges are often localized and difficult to track definitively, the pattern suggests a continued battle with instability and the legal system, keeping him in the public eye through subsequent, non-viral incidents.

2. The Schizophrenia and Mental Health Narrative

Perhaps the most critical update is the context provided by those close to or observing Brewer's situation: the claim that he suffers from schizophrenia. This detail fundamentally changed how many viewed the viral video, shifting the public conversation from pure condemnation to a discussion about the need for mental health support and the vulnerability of individuals struggling with severe conditions. This narrative is heavily emphasized in the "tragic tale" retellings of his life.

3. A Fundraiser Was Created to "Bring The King Home"

Following the emergence of the backstory detailing Brewer's homelessness and mental health struggles, a fundraiser titled "BringTheKingHome" was launched on a platform called Spotfund. The goal was to help Ryan Brewer return home and get the necessary support. This effort highlighted a sympathetic reaction from a segment of the public who saw him as a victim of circumstance and illness rather than a pure aggressor.

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4. Immortalized in Music: "The Crown Has Fallen Down"

In a bizarre twist of internet culture, Ryan Brewer's story was turned into a song and music video by an artist named Floki. The track, titled "The Crown has Fallen Down," directly references the JetBlue incident and frames Brewer's life as a "tragic tale". The song's popularity ensured that Brewer's story continued to circulate and resonate with a new audience, cementing his place in the pantheon of internet memes with a melancholy soundtrack.

5. The Symbolism of the Burger King Crown

The simple cardboard crown evolved into a powerful, multi-layered symbol. For Burger King, the crown is an iconic marketing tool. In the context of Ryan Brewer, it became a symbol of his struggle—a cheap, fragile piece of paper that represented a fleeting sense of dignity and hope in a period of homelessness. The crown, therefore, is a key entity in understanding the depth of his viral moment and subsequent meme status.

6. The Ongoing Debate: Meme vs. Mental Health Crisis

To this day, Ryan Brewer's story fuels a continuous online debate. Is he simply a racist figure who deserves to be a viral meme, or is he a severely ill individual whose darkest moments were exploited for content? The most recent discussions consistently pivot back to his alleged schizophrenia, urging viewers to consider the ethical implications of turning a mental health crisis into a source of entertainment.

7. His Dog, Milo, as a Unifying Detail

Amidst the chaos and controversy, a small, humanizing detail often surfaces: Ryan Brewer is reported to have a dog named Milo. This snippet of information, often shared in forums and discussions, provides a brief glimpse of normalcy and responsibility in an otherwise tumultuous life, further complicating the public's perception of the "Burger King Crown Guy".

The Lasting Impact of The Burger King Crown Guy

The story of Ryan Brewer, the "Burger King Crown Guy," is a stark modern tragedy. It serves as a powerful case study on the intersection of mental illness, homelessness, and the destructive speed of viral fame. The incident on the JetBlue flight was the catalyst, but the subsequent narrative—complete with arrests, a sympathetic backstory, and a dedicated music video—is what keeps the conversation about Ryan Brewer alive today in December 2025.

His story continues to resonate because it forces the uncomfortable question: How do we balance accountability for offensive actions with compassion for those struggling with severe mental health issues? Ryan Brewer remains a cautionary figure, a reminder that behind every viral meme is a real person whose life is often far more complex and heartbreaking than the 15 seconds of footage that made them famous.