American YouTuber Tyler Oliveira, known for his daring and investigative content, has found himself at the centre of an online controversy after sharing his experience of falling seriously ill during a recent trip to India. Despite sticking to food from five-star hotels throughout his stay, the 25-year-old content creator claimed he contracted four types of Salmonella, attributing it to poor hygiene standards and hotel sourcing practices.
American Tyler Olivera Shares His Experience In India
In a now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Oliveira wrote:
“Only ate in 5 star hotels and still contracted 4 types of Salmonella… likely from a hotel sourcing eggs from a filthy chicken farm right next to a literal mountain of trash.”
He went on to say that India’s sanitation challenges persist even in its luxury segments, and addressing these issues shouldn’t be viewed as racist. “It is NOT racist to address the poor quality of life most Indians are subjected to while the upper caste insulates themselves from reality,” he added.
During my trip to India, I ONLY ate in 5 star hotels and still contracted 4 types of Salmonella. The hotel apparently sourced their eggs from a filthy chicken farm right next to a literal mountain of trash. There are serious hygiene issues that must be addressed in India.
It is… https://t.co/iuZ42zsIyO
— Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) July 27, 2025
Online Backlash and Accusations of ‘Defaming India’
Oliveira’s comments came in response to a viral video by an Indian woman who accused Western travellers—especially white backpackers—of reinforcing stereotypes about India by choosing to live in slum-like conditions and later criticising the country. The woman alleged this behaviour perpetuates harmful, classist portrayals of India abroad.
She explained the White people’s hate against India and Indians so beautifully pic.twitter.com/MQIkbU7UqI
— Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) July 25, 2025
In contrast, Oliveira insisted that even “luxury” travel in India can expose foreigners to unsafe conditions. He also shared medical reports as proof of his illness and pointed out that his travel expenses, though modest by U.S. standards, weren’t “slumming it” by Indian norms.
— Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) July 27, 2025
Facing a wave of criticism for “defaming” India, Oliveira responded:
“The 5 star hotels were about $100 a night. It was budget travel relative to American standards. Ambani has a billion dollar tower overlooking the slums. Your anger is misplaced.”
The 5 star hotels were about $100 a night. It was budget travel relative to American standards. Ambani has a billion dollar tower overlooking the slums. Your anger is misplaced.
— Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) July 27, 2025
Tyler is continuing to share his experience and pointing out many problems with India. In his recent post, he explored India’s largest India’s Chicken & Egg Market Next to a Trash-Infested Landfill.
Delhi, India’s Largest Chicken & Egg Market Next to Trash-Infested Landfill… https://t.co/elj1jC9AdZ pic.twitter.com/pxucdNHC8h
— Tyler Oliveira (@tyleraloevera) July 27, 2025
Tyler Oliveira’s remarks have sparked an ongoing debate around hygiene, class disparity, and how India is portrayed by international visitors.
