Max's Deli in Highland Park has ousted co-owner Greg Morelli over a controversial tweet that was posted Monday after the mass shootings in Las Vegas.

Deli co-owner Joey Morelli released a statement Thursday saying his brother is no longer affiliated with Max’s Deli, which the two own with a cousin. They are the third generation of owners in the family-run business. He later said he plans to buy out his brother’s interest in the business as soon as possible.

"He is out, he has agreed to be out and he is gone," Joey Morelli said. "I love him, but he must move on with his life and address his issues."

The business has shut down its Facebook page.

The now deleted tweet, which ignited outrage on social media, read: "Soon as I heard it was country music, I felt relief. White people shooting white people isn't terror ... it's community outreach. #LasVegas."

A since-deleted tweet from Max's Deli co-owner Greg Morelli. A since-deleted tweet from Max's Deli co-owner Greg Morelli.

It came just weeks after Greg Morelli stoked controversy by using Nazi imagery on his Jewish deli's Facebook page following the neo-Nazi demonstrations in Charlottesville, Va.

Greg Morelli said Thursday he agreed to leave in the interest of the business and his family.

"I didn't want to be selfish. They didn't ask for this," said Greg Morelli, who grew up in Highland Park and attended local schools.

He stressed, however, that he sent the tweet as a private citizen.

"A bunch of people who hate free speech published my phone number online and tried to destroy me and the business," said Greg, adding that he's heartbroken to leave Max's, "the love of my life."

Joey Morelli said the deli's bottom line hasn't so far suffered from the backlash, and most of the vitriol has come from non-customers.

"Most of the regulars that come in all the time know us and they know who Greg really is," Joey Morelli said. "But I know it's going to affect the bottom line if I don't address it directly."

He said he learned of the tweet at about 7 p.m. Monday from his mother, who called to prepare him for the onslaught of criticism.

"It has created a toxicity around us," Joey Morelli said. "There are lots of people with lots of mean things to say."

He said he plans to focus on restoring the integrity of the business, but respects customers' decisions to act on their conscience.

"All I can do is move on and get the fourth generation to run this business and do it with love," he said.

kberkowitz@pioneerlocal.com