René Redzepi, the chef and owner of the internationally acclaimed Noma restaurant, has issued an apology following accusations of years of physical, verbal, and psychological abuse leveled by dozens of former employees. The allegations, spanning from 2009 to 2017, surfaced on Saturday, just days before the opening of a highly anticipated, and expensive, pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles.
The accusations, detailed in an investigation published by The New York Times, include claims that Redzepi punched staff members in the face, jabbed them with kitchen tools, and slammed them against walls. One former female chef recounted an incident where Redzepi allegedly punched her so forcefully in the ribs that she fell against a metal counter, sustaining a cut to her hip, according to reporting from National Today and Wutshot.
“Going to perform felt like going to war,” a former employee told The New York Times. “You had to force yourself to be strong, to show no fear.”
Redzepi’s statement, released in response to the allegations, acknowledged harmful behavior. “Although I don’t recognize all details in these stories, I can witness enough of my past behavior reflected in them to understand that my actions were harmful to people who worked with me,” he said. “To those who have suffered under my leadership, my lousy judgment, or my anger, I am deeply sorry and I have worked to change.”
Noma, which opened in Copenhagen in 2003, has been ranked the world’s best restaurant a record five times by Restaurant magazine between 2010 and 2021 and holds three Michelin stars. Despite its culinary prestige, whispers of a difficult work environment have circulated for years. Redzepi had previously dismissed claims of physical abuse, suggesting he may have “bumped” into employees.
The allegations come as Redzepi prepares to launch a 16-week pop-up in Los Angeles, with meals priced at $1,500 per person. The pop-up sold out quickly despite the high cost, according to the New York Post.
The New York Times investigation reported that 35 former Noma employees came forward with accounts of abuse. The accusations suggest a pattern of behavior rather than isolated incidents. The revelations have sparked a wider conversation about workplace culture within high-complete culinary establishments and the treatment of kitchen staff, as noted by National Today.
As of Saturday, Noma had not issued a further statement beyond Redzepi’s initial apology. The Los Angeles pop-up is still scheduled to open as planned.
