American travel vlogger Conner McBee has come under heavy criticism online after an old video resurfaced in which he mocks India and attempts to significantly underpay autorickshaw drivers during a visit. The footage, first uploaded last year, went viral again after fellow American traveller Stephen Hauser publicly condemned McBee’s behaviour on Instagram.
Old video resurfaces amid new criticism
In the YouTube video titled “I went back to India…it still sucks”, McBee describes India as “dirty, dishonest, and noisy” while travelling from the airport to his hotel. He also claims he wanted to “avoid India like the plague” and only entered the country because of a layover.
In one segment, McBee attempts to reduce an autorickshaw fare of ₹300 to just ₹20, saying, “It’s so fun bargaining in India.”
Responding sharply, Hauser said, “You’re not bargaining. You’re being an a**hole,” calling out the tone-deafness of trying to lowball financially struggling drivers.
Hauser calls out disrespectful conduct
Hauser’s reaction videos show him criticising McBee for moving from one driver to another, seeking increasingly lower fares.
“He doesn’t believe these people are humans… trying to make a living and provide for their families,” Hauser remarked.
Several drivers refused McBee’s offers until one eventually agreed. The full video also shows McBee avoiding certain spots on the road and making disparaging comments about cleanliness and honesty in India.
Later, after checking into a hotel, McBee expresses initial surprise at its standards before criticising minor issues. He also reiterates that he did not intend to return to India, blaming circumstances rather than choice.
Hauser countered this claim:
“You didn’t have to come back here for a layover… You’re coming back here to make content. Just be honest.”
Social media reaction: frustration and humour
The resurfaced video drew widespread backlash from Indian users. Many criticised McBee for disrespecting locals and exploiting stereotypes for views.
“₹25 is like 25 cents. That’s the most he can afford? How broke is this guy?” an Instagram user commented.
“Nicest hotel? Every middle-class Indian books something like this—or better,” another user wrote.
Others expressed support for Hauser, commending him for defending Indian autorickshaw drivers and calling out exploitative content creation.
Highlights concerns about ethics in travel content
The incident has reignited discussions around responsible tourism and content creation, particularly the ethics of filming interactions with low-income workers. Travel bloggers and digital creators are increasingly being urged to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or using provocative content for engagement.