René Redzepi, the co-founder and head chef of the internationally renowned restaurant Noma, has announced his resignation following allegations of physical and psychological abuse toward staff.
The announcement came on Wednesday, coinciding with protests in Los Angeles ahead of Noma’s four-month pop-up, after a report by the New York Times detailed claims that Redzepi “punched employees in the face, jabbed them with kitchen implements and slammed them against walls,” among other forms of mistreatment.
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In an Instagram statement, Redzepi acknowledged past wrongdoing, writing: “An apology is not enough; I take responsibility for my own actions.” He emphasized that Noma’s leadership team would continue operations and that the LA residency would be an opportunity to highlight the restaurant’s cultural reforms.
Redzepi also resigned from the board of Mad, which he founded in 2011. A video posted by the chef included an apology to staff and an explanation of his decision to step down.
Industry Fallout
The revelations prompted swift consequences, with American Express and hospitality company Blackbird severing ties with Noma prior to the LA pop-up.
The report by the New York Times, based on interviews with 35 former employees, described a “pattern of physical punishment” and “lasting trauma from layers of psychological abuse,” including intimidation, public ridicule, and threats affecting employees’ families and careers.
LA Pop-Up Remains in Demand
Despite the scandal, Noma’s Los Angeles residency, charging $1,500 per ticket, sold out within three minutes, highlighting the restaurant’s enduring international draw.
