Barry Allen came to be referred to as the "Twisted Tea Guy" in December 2020. A viral clip identified him as he stood up to a man who hurled racial slurs at a Circle K store in Elyria, Ohio. The clip went viral and became a beacon of courage against racism.
Twisted Tea Guy's response on the video caused a wave of support on the internet. He was seen by many as someone who defended himself and others. Tributes and memes ensued, and he became a known internet personality.
Twisted Tea Guy died suddenly on March 22, 2025. Social media was flooded with messages of condolence from fans and friends. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to assist with funeral costs and to celebrate his memory.
On the GoFundMe campaign, the initiative spoke about:
"Bobby Oliver AKA Barry Allen died unexpectedly on 3/22/25. Details are still unclear but we do know that there is a long road ahead and funeral expenses. Please help out if you can. Bobby is family to many of us. Some by blood, some not. Family is Family"
Many fans took to social media to express their views.
"With a heavy heart my friend Barry Allen passed today. Most will know hom as the viral man who smashed the Twisted Tea on a drunk's face. He was a great guy,great friend and great father. God Speed brother i hope to have your legacy trending." an X user tweeted.
"Aw man. Apparently the guy in the infamous Twisted Tea clip who gave the racist a**hole a damn good smacking just died. RIP." another X user mentioned.
"RIP Bobbie. The world new him as the guy that smacked that fool with a twisted tea." a fan said.
What happened in the Twisted Tea Guy's video?
Twisted Tea Guy's video went viral in December 2020. It featured a white man continuously using racial slurs as he stood by a store counter. Allen, who had a can of Twisted Tea in his hand, attempted to avoid him at first. The man kept stirring Allen and coming closer, taunting him.
After a few seconds, Allen responded. He hit the man in the face with the can of Twisted Tea. The can exploded on impact. The man dropped to the ground. Allen then held him back, seemingly to stop him from further violence. Other patrons and employees of the store witnessed the altercation. The video created social media buzz. Allen was largely complimented for fighting racism.
Others wondered if violence was the appropriate action. The incident was meme-fied, and Allen became known as the "Twisted Tea Guy." The Twisted Tea brand also found itself in the spotlight, although the company did not officially condone the action.
Why did Twisted Tea Guy become famous?
Twisted Tea Guy's go-viral moment made him an online icon. The clip rapidly spread across social media platforms. People shared memes, GIFs, and tributes hailing the moment. Allen's reaction in the video was seen by many as a way of justice. He became the face of resistance against racism.
Allen was interviewed following the incident. He explained his take on what had occurred. He described how he had attempted to stay calm but reacted when things turned out of control. He claimed the other man had crossed a boundary. His words touched the hearts of many viewers.
Years later, the Twisted Tea video continued to be a go-to reference online. Allen's name became synonymous with viral culture. Even years after, individuals used the clip to address racism and responsibility. His untimely death in 2025 shone a spotlight on his case all over again.
Barry Allen was known for going viral in a video in 2020. His reaction to a racist incident made him a sensation online. The video brought about controversy, memes, and arguments about responsibility.
A GoFundMe page was created to help pay for his funeral. People donated and explained how important his moment was to them. Allen's legacy is still a part of internet culture.
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