Noma loses sponsors amid René Redzepi abuse allegations
It follows the chef apologising for his 'unacceptable' behavior
Two sponsors have pulled out of supporting René Redzepi's upcoming events in Los Angeles following accusations of the chef abusing his staff at Noma.
Anyone who's worked in a restaurant kitchen will know how important it is to keep your cool as the temperature rises - the orders piling in, pots steaming, hobs ablaze, and the pressure of a critic walking in causing all stations to bubble over reaching boiling point.
The restaurant industry has certainly evolved a lot since the days of having a chef scream in your face you're an 'idiot sandwich'.
However, three-Michelin star restaurant and food innovation lab Noma has recently found itself in hot water following former employees coming forward to accuse founder and head chef Redzepi of abusive working conditions.
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Current employees claim Redzepi is a changed chef and Redzepi himself released a public statement addressing his 'harmful' actions, 'bad judgement,' and offering a 'deep' apology.
Alas, that hasn't stopped two major sponsors of Noma since pulling out of its upcoming events in Los Angeles.
A 16-week-long series of pop-up dinners is set to take place in Los Angeles, the Copenhagen restaurant transporting to the West Coast from 11 March to 26 June.
The 'fully booked' event, costing $1,500-per-night, was put together by Noma and sponsored by American Express and Blackbird.
Resy American Express is reported by The New York Times as having purchased six nights for its US Platinum cardholders.
Blackbird is reported as having bought $100,000 worth of tickets.
However, a spokesperson from Resy American Express has since confirmed to The New York Times the company is 'stepping away' from the sponsorship.
Of the six nights bought by American Express, three were sold out and the remaining three hadn't yet been released to customers.
Customers who bought tickets are set to be refunded, with the three remaining nights 'given back to Noma'.
The spokesperson noted any 'proceeds' would be 'reinvest[ed]' and go towards hospitality workers in the city.
They continued: "Our priority is to support the restaurant community and not let this decision impact the many people who have worked hard to bring this residency to life, from local farmers to purveyors and more."
A spokesperson for Blackbird said they were 'insisting they route a majority of profits similarly'.
The New York Times also reports luxury vehicles company Cadillac has also been removed from Noma's LA website.
The company is reported as having been providing rides for attendees for the event with Noma-branded vehicles spotted near the venue.
Planned protests are also reported by CBS News as set to take place at the restaurant's LA pop-up event.
The protests and sponsorship pull-outs follow former employees coming forward to The New York Times earlier this month detailing alleged incidents as far back as 2014 accusing Redzepi of a whole host of abusive behaviors from shoving, taunting, screaming and punching.
FOODbible has contacted Noma, American Express, Blackbird, and Cadillac for comment.
Topics: Restaurants and bars, US Food
Poppy Bilderbeck