N※N

Ryan Reynolds sparks outrage in Minnesota with 'insulting' boxed wine comment

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/06 .. minnesota-with-insulting-boxed-wine-comment.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 21:49 GMT by Fox News

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-06 179 x 224 / 16977 Bytes

2025-11-06 179 x 224 / 9465 Bytes

2025-11-06 205 x 224 / 13135 Bytes

2025-11-06 179 x 224 / 11374 Bytes

Ryan Reynolds, the Canadian actor known for his irreverent humor and high‑profile film projects, recently found himself at the center of a backlash that stretched across the United States. The controversy began when the star posted a short, tongue‑in‑cheek comment on his social‑media platform that many Minnesotans interpreted as a mocking jab at their state. The remark, which suggested that Minnesota was synonymous with boxed wine, quickly spiraled into a wave of outrage, prompting a broader conversation about celebrity culture, regional pride, and the power of online discourse.

The incident unfolded on a Thursday evening when Reynolds took to his personal profile on a popular micro‑blogging site to share a joke that had been circulating among his friends. The post read: “If you’re looking for a real taste of Minnesota, it’s probably a box of wine. #Minnesota #BoxedWine.” The post was accompanied by a photo of a cardboard box of wine, a reference that resonated instantly with audiences because boxed wine is a staple of the state’s economy and, for many, a point of local identity. While Reynolds’ brand of humor has often included self‑deprecating and satirical quips, the tweet struck a chord that was not entirely benign.

Within minutes, a torrent of responses began to pour in. Many users from Minnesota’s major cities—Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth—rejected the comment as a dismissive caricature. Some took to the same platform, crafting hashtags such as #MinnesotaPride and #NotJustWine to counter the joke. Others posted photos of local landmarks—like the iconic Chain of Lakes, the North Star State’s thriving agricultural output, and its famous arts and cultural institutions—reminding the world that Minnesota’s identity is far richer than any single product. The backlash also included a wave of memes, some mocking Reynolds, while others used the moment to celebrate Minnesota’s unique culture.

One of the most notable reactions came from a Minnesota tourism board representative, who posted a reply in the comment section of the original tweet. She stated, “We appreciate humor, but we also value the depth of our community. Minnesota is a place of beautiful landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant arts scene. Let’s not reduce us to boxed wine.” The board’s statement was widely shared across platforms, drawing attention to the broader issue of how regional identities are portrayed by public figures.

Amid the flurry of social‑media activity, a local Minnesota newspaper published an article that examined the economic impact of boxed wine in the state. The paper, which specializes in regional business coverage, highlighted how the boxed wine industry supports local farmers, cooperatives, and small‑scale distilleries. According to the piece, the industry has grown steadily over the past decade, and many Minnesota residents take pride in their ability to produce high‑quality, affordable wine that is distributed nationwide. The article was later linked in a comment from a Minneapolis‑based journalist who expressed surprise that Reynolds had overlooked such a significant part of Minnesota’s economy.

Reynolds’ team quickly issued a brief statement on the actor’s official website. The statement read, “We’re sorry if our recent joke came across as offensive. Ryan’s humor is always intended in good spirit, and we understand how it might not have landed as we intended.” The statement did not include an apology for the content itself but acknowledged that the joke was taken in a way that was not anticipated. Ryan himself has a history of engaging with fans on social media in a candid manner, and his fans largely praised his quick acknowledgment of the misstep. However, many Minnesotans felt that the response did not fully address the hurt caused by the post.

The controversy also triggered a broader conversation about the responsibility of celebrities in the age of instant commentary. A prominent columnist from a national outlet wrote a guest opinion piece analyzing the incident. The columnist argued that while celebrities enjoy a platform to entertain, they also carry an implicit obligation to respect the communities they reference. The article stressed the importance of cultural sensitivity, especially in a climate where a single social‑media post can become a flashpoint for regional identity. The columnist concluded that Reynolds’ situation illustrates how a seemingly innocuous joke can spark widespread debate and lead to a reevaluation of the role of public figures in fostering respectful dialogue.

Meanwhile, a local Minnesota community forum launched a thread titled “How do we respond to external stereotypes?” The thread saw participation from residents who suggested educational outreach as a way to transform the negative backlash into a constructive dialogue. One community member proposed hosting a “State Culture Showcase” where residents could share personal stories about Minnesota’s diverse heritage. The discussion quickly gained momentum, with several residents volunteering to lead cultural tours for celebrities and media outlets.

In the weeks that followed, the incident continued to circulate on social media as a cautionary tale. The hashtag #MinnesotaPride trended in the Midwest, and a group of young Minnesotans created a series of short videos highlighting their daily lives and traditions, aiming to showcase the authentic diversity of the state. These videos were widely shared by national media outlets and even featured in a segment on a major television network’s morning show.

Ryan Reynolds’ brief tweet may have been a simple joke, but it sparked a conversation that transcended a single comment. The backlash revealed how quickly humor can be misconstrued, and how social‑media platforms can amplify misunderstandings. It also underscored the power of collective community identity and the importance of respecting regional cultures. Whether the incident will lead to lasting changes in how celebrities engage with their audiences remains to be seen, but the conversation it ignited serves as a reminder that a single joke can have far‑reaching implications.