Watch Snoop Dogg’s Uncle Explain Why Racism Could Have Led to His Portland Restaurant Being Burned

Last night, a fire broke out at the Reo’s Ribs barbecue restaurant, located at 4211 NE Sandy Blvd., causing severe damage and at least temporarily closing the establishment, according to KOIN 6. The restaurant is owned by Reo Varnado, an uncle of gangster rapper Snoop Dogg, and Varnado published his reaction in a tear-filled Facebook live video (below) early this morning.

In the 33-minute video, Varnado says he’s experienced racist language outside of Reo’s Ribs and that racism could have led to the fire. "I think about all the things I've been through since moving to Oregon,” says Varnado. “You know, racism will never stop. Whoever did this is probably happy with what you did." At the time of publishing, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

When the fire took place, Varnado was in Los Angeles filming an appearance on VH1’s Martha and Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party, a cooking show featuring Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg. Speaking with WWeek today, Reo’s Ribs co-owner Myra Girod said the restaurant will hopefully reopen, but if it does, it will be a challenge.

Here’s the complete Facebook live video, published this morning by Varnado:

• Reo’s Ribs [Official]
• Fire damages popular Portland spot Reo’s Ribs [Koin]
• Snoop Dogg's Uncle Blames Racism for Fire That Closed His Portland Rib Shack [WWeek]