Quote Originally Posted by bobsticks
That was a work. It's pretty universally acknowledged that he was told by producers to play up the "Ugly American" role. They also made a big deal in the rematch of his deferring to Morimoto's stance and removing the cutting board before standing on the counter, again emphasizing the competetive and theatrical elements simultaneously.
Actually, I had watched a bio on Flay, and that wasn't at all how he explained the issue at all. According to Bobby, he was very excited about the show. After the cooking was finished, he jumped up on the counter in a fit of exhubernce. Unfortunatly, he had stood on the cutting board, and his japanese competitor (Morimoto) took great offense. Apparently beyond the sanitary concerns of standing upon one's preperation area, it was seen as an insult to (Moritmoto) and the Japanese host/show as a whole.

After the show, it was explained to Flay the social faux-pas he had done. A rematch was staged, and it was a standard match at that. Nothing special was given to either chef, and the icy relations had somewhat thawed between the two after Flay apologized to Morimoto.

After the match, as a bow to Moritmoto, Flay REMOVED the cutting board, and then jumped on the counter top to acknowledge the throng of US servicemen/women that PACKED the arena. The US base in Japan was located somewhere near the set, and bus loads of soldiers came to see the rematch. Morimoto didn't have an issue with Flay on the counter, as he had removed the cutting board.

As far as I know, he (Flay) has not jumped on the counter since.