A Worcester, Massachusetts man has become an unexpected social media star after his carry-on bag, packed with cans of Spam, caught the attention of TSA agents and millions of online viewers.”It’s all a case of Spam that I’m taking,” Joel Libed told TSA agents at the airport in Minnesota. “I’m so embarrassed.”His video has since been viewed over 5 million times. Libed had just visited the Spam museum in Minnesota, where he was gifted his favorite canned meat. On his way back home to Boston, TSA agents stopped him.”I got the Hawaii special edition in there. I got a Teriyaki,” Libed said.The TSA agents were unsure of what to make of the salty-jelled meats in his luggage. “So there’s an entire pack of Spam in my carry on and his look was like ‘Really? Why?’ I said there’s like other flavors,” Libed told them.By day, Libed works at Welly’s Restaurant in Hudson. He also considers himself a self-proclaimed Spam ambassador. Originally from Hawaii, Libed was raised on Spam and is now trying to get more people to love his native favorite.”Are you getting paid to say these things,” reporter Shaun Chaiyabhat asks Libed.”All I can say is I should be getting paid,” Libed said.The Spam company is also enjoying the spotlight. They have been sending Libed gift boxes and swag, which he’s been posting online. “I would love to work with Spam and be a Spam influencer, Spam-bassador,” Libed said.Welly’s Restaurant, where Libed works, is capitalizing on his newfound fame. Although Spam is not currently on the menu, they’re planning to feature a Spam special nicknamed the Joel’s Aloha Burger.They’re planning to feature the Spam special for the entire month of July.
WORCESTER, Mass. —
A Worcester, Massachusetts man has become an unexpected social media star after his carry-on bag, packed with cans of Spam, caught the attention of TSA agents and millions of online viewers.
“It’s all a case of Spam that I’m taking,” Joel Libed told TSA agents at the airport in Minnesota. “I’m so embarrassed.”
His video has since been viewed over 5 million times.
Libed had just visited the Spam museum in Minnesota, where he was gifted his favorite canned meat.
On his way back home to Boston, TSA agents stopped him.
“I got the Hawaii special edition in there. I got a Teriyaki,” Libed said.
The TSA agents were unsure of what to make of the salty-jelled meats in his luggage.
“So there’s an entire pack of Spam in my carry on and his look was like ‘Really? Why?’ I said there’s like other flavors,” Libed told them.
By day, Libed works at Welly’s Restaurant in Hudson. He also considers himself a self-proclaimed Spam ambassador.
Originally from Hawaii, Libed was raised on Spam and is now trying to get more people to love his native favorite.
“Are you getting paid to say these things,” reporter Shaun Chaiyabhat asks Libed.
“All I can say is I should be getting paid,” Libed said.
The Spam company is also enjoying the spotlight. They have been sending Libed gift boxes and swag, which he’s been posting online.
“I would love to work with Spam and be a Spam influencer, Spam-bassador,” Libed said.
Welly’s Restaurant, where Libed works, is capitalizing on his newfound fame. Although Spam is not currently on the menu, they’re planning to feature a Spam special nicknamed the Joel’s Aloha Burger.
They’re planning to feature the Spam special for the entire month of July.
