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A Sip of Controversy: Machine Gun Kelly’s Cafe Unveils Drink Tied to Brian Austin Green Rivalry
Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) has once again stirred the pot with the launch of a provocative new beverage at his Los Angeles café, 27 Club Coffee. The drink, dubbed “Bitter Rivals,” debuted this week, sparking widespread speculation that it references the rapper-turned-rocker’s ongoing feud with actor Brian Austin Green. Fans and pop culture analysts are dissecting the menu addition, which features a tart citrus base with a “spicy finish”—a flavor profile many interpret as a not-so-subtle dig at Green.
The Backstory Behind the Bitter Brew
The MGK-Green rivalry dates back to 2021, when Green’s then-partner, Megan Fox, began a highly publicized relationship with MGK. Tensions escalated last year when Green criticized MGK’s parenting approach toward Fox’s children in interviews. Though both parties have avoided direct confrontation, the café’s latest creation suggests the embers of this feud still glow.
“Celebrity-owned businesses frequently use menu items as inside jokes or statements,” notes pop culture analyst Dr. Elena Martinez. “When you combine the drink’s name, timing, and MGK’s history of subliminal messaging, the Green connection becomes hard to ignore.”
The café’s menu describes “Bitter Rivals” as:
- A blood-orange cold brew base
- Infused with habanero simple syrup
- Topped with black lava salt rim
This isn’t MGK’s first foray into culinary controversy. Last year, his Hotel Café served a “Pink Moon” cocktail during Fox’s birthday weekend, featuring edible glitter that matched her signature nail polish color.
Fan Reactions Pour In
Social media erupted within hours of the drink’s debut. Twitter analytics show:
- 18,200+ mentions of #BitterRivals in 48 hours
- 62% positive sentiment among MGK fans
- 34% negative reactions from Green supporters
“This is next-level petty and I’m here for it,” tweeted @MGKStanAccount, while @GreenTeamForever countered, “Classless move to profit off personal drama.”
Industry experts observe that such publicity generates tangible business results. “Celebrity feuds translated into products see an average 23% sales bump in the first month,” says hospitality consultant Mark Williams. “The ‘Bitter Rivals’ drink checks all the boxes—it’s Instagrammable, conversation-starting, and limited-edition.”
The Business of Celebrity Feuds
MGK’s café joins a growing trend of celebrity establishments leveraging personal narratives for marketing. Comparative data reveals:
- Justin Bieber’s Drew House saw 31% more traffic after releasing “Sorry” merch post-Selena Gomez drama
- Taylor Swift’s Cornelia Street Café reportedly earned $500K from “Karma” drinks after her Scooter Braun dispute
However, branding experts warn about long-term implications. “While controversy creates immediate buzz, it risks alienating segments of your customer base,” notes marketing professor Dr. Rachel Kim. “The key is balancing edge with accessibility—something MGK has historically managed well.”
Indeed, 27 Club Coffee maintains broad appeal beyond the drama, offering vegan pastries and locally sourced beans. The shop’s Yelp rating holds steady at 4.5 stars despite recent controversies.
What’s Next in This Celebrity Saga?
Industry insiders suggest several potential developments:
- A response product from Green, who recently opened his own juice bar
- Collaboration drinks if the stars reconcile
- Expanded “feud menu” items capitalizing on the attention
As for the “Bitter Rivals” drink itself, baristas report it’s selling out daily since launch. Whether this represents the closing chapter or a new volley in the MGK-Green narrative remains to be seen. For now, fans can literally taste the drama—at $8.50 per cup.
Want to weigh in on celebrity feud marketing? Visit our entertainment section to vote in our “Best/Worst Celebrity Business Moves” poll and see how your favorites stack up.
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