René Redzepi resigns from Noma following abuse allegations
Danish chef René Redzepi has stepped down from Noma’s helm amid allegations of abuse and reports of major financial sponsorship losses.
Known for being the Best Restaurant in the World on numerous occasions, Noma is a three-Michelin-star experience co-founded by Redzepi and Claus Meyer.
The fine-dining establishment, known for its foraging focus and interpretation of New Nordic Cuisine, successfully manoeuvred away from traditional dinner service in 2024.
Instead, it was announced that the team would work to complete periodic residencies with Redzepi as head chef.
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Ahead of Noma’s pop-up in Los Angeles, The New York Times published an exposé alleging that the innovator physically and psychologically abused some of his employees.
The report claimed that staff members were punched, shoved, and hit.
Acknowledging the allegations, Redzepi announced he would resign from his position and that the California event would continue as planned.
He has also withdrawn from the board of MAD, the nonprofit organisation he founded back in 2011.
René Redzepi exit statement
“The recent weeks have brought attention and important conversations about our restaurant industry, and my past leadership,” the culinary expert wrote via Instagram.
“I have worked to be a better leader and Noma has taken big steps to transform the culture over many years,” he continued, claiming that the switch-up would not ‘repair the past’.
“An apology is not enough; I take responsibility for my own actions.”
Redzepi revealed that by stepping away from the institution after more than two decades, it would allow the company’s ‘extraordinary leaders to guide the restaurant into its next chapter’.
“For anyone wondering what this means for the restaurant, let me say it clearly: the Noma team today is the strongest and most inspired it has ever been,” he continued.
“We’ve been open for 23 years, and I’m incredibly proud of our people, our creativity, and the direction Noma is heading.”
Noma LA residency set to continue
The Copenhagen native confirmed that the Silver Lake residency, scheduled to serve food for 16 weeks between 11 March and 26 June, would go ahead amid the abuse allegations.
The ‘fully booked’ experience costs $1,500 per-night and will continue to run despite key sponsors, such as American Express, Blackbird, and Cadillac, reportedly pulling out just hours before launch.
A spokesperson from Resy American Express confirmed to The New York Times that the company would be 'stepping away' from its sponsorship.
However, it was said that the financial titan would continue 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.’
Redzepi said that despite various sponsors parting ways with the LA residency, his former team would use the opportunity to deliver guests ‘something truly special’.
The chef concluded his statement with a vow: Noma’s mission for the future would be to ‘keep exploring ideas, discovering new flavours, and imagining what food can become decades from now’.
“Noma has always been bigger than any one person, and this next step honours that belief,” he added.
René Redzepi’s first apology
Redzepi’s declaration came days after an initial four-part statement was shared on his official Instagram Feed.
At the time, the former leader said he was ‘deeply sorry’ for anyone who ‘suffered’ under his leadership, bad judgment, or anger.
“I have worked to change,” he alledged, explaininh that he had spent the last decade in therapy, ‘deep reflection’, and ‘stepping away from leading the day-to-day service’.
“I have found better ways to manage my anger, and I am still learning.”
FOODbible has previously contacted Noma, American Express, Blackbird, and Cadillac for comment.
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Ella Scott