The head chef of world-renowned restaurant Noma has been forced to step down over allegations of intimidation and abuse.
Rene Redzepi, who founded the three-Michelin star restaurant, announced his resignation in a post on social media acknowledging concerns surrounding his “past leadership”.
Noma put Copenhagen on the map as a global foodie hotspot through its brand of innovative Nordic cuisine that favors foraged ingredients. Los Angles residence
But Noma’s arrival in the US has raised concerns over allegations about its head chef’s history of fostering a toxic workplace, including claims of verbal and physical abuse.
Rene Redzepi. Image: Reuters
Mr Redzepi announced his “stepping away” late on Wednesday in the US, after it was widely reported that major corporate sponsors American Express and Blackbird had pulled out of the pop-up event.
“I’ve worked to become a better leader and have taken big steps to transform the culture of Noma over the years,” he posted on Instagram.
“I recognize that these changes will not fix the past.
“Apologizing is not enough; I take responsibility for my own actions.
“After two decades of building and leading this restaurant, I have decided to step back and allow our exceptional leaders to now guide the restaurant into its next chapter.”
Mr Redzepi said the residency would continue without him, adding that “the Noma team today is as strong and inspiring as ever”.
The New York Times Mr Redzepi published allegations from former staff that he subjected his staff to mental and physical abuse, including beatings for minor mistakes, jabbing and pushing workers and punching them in anger.
As protesters gathered outside the Noma pop-up venue on Wednesday, Jason Ignacio White, the acclaimed restaurant’s former director of fermentation, has been a vocal critic of Mr Redzepi, Sky News’ US broadcast partner NBC reported.
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After the allegations emerged, Mr Redzepi defended his actions in another Instagram post last week.
“I want to convey stories from the past about my leadership in the kitchen that have recently resurfaced,” he said.
“Although I do not recognize all the details in these stories, my past behavior is reflective enough to understand that my actions were harmful to the people I worked with.
“For those who, under my leadership, suffered from my bad judgment or my anger, I am deeply sorry and I have worked to change.”
The Danish chef added: “I couldn’t handle the pressure, small mistakes could feel overwhelming to me, and I reacted in a way that I deeply regret today.”
The pop-up in Silver Lake was widely reported to have sold out in three minutes, with diners paying $1,500 per package.
Noma has been named the World’s Best Restaurant five times by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
The restaurant gained prominence on the back of pioneering Nordic cuisine, including “hen and the egg” (a duck egg served with hay oil and greens) and “edible soil” (carrots and radishes in edible soil).
Among other experimental ingredients used by Noma, ants appear on the menu.
