Days before world-renowned restaurant Noma is to begin its 16-week residency in Los Angeles, allegations of workplace abuse have resurfaced against its star chef Rene Redzepi.
An investigation published on Saturday by the New York Times detailed accounts of physical and emotional abuse suffered by former employees.
Redzepi took to social media later in the morning to post this response.
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“Although I don’t recognize all details in these stories, I can see enough of my past behavior reflected in them to understand that my actions were harmful to people who worked with me,” he said in the post. “To those who have suffered under my leadership, my bad judgment, or my anger, I am deeply sorry and I have worked to change.”
A former chef of Noma, Jason Ignacio White, is planning a worker protest on Wednesday in front of the Silverlake space where Noma will start its 16-week run. The pop-up is charging $1,500 a seat, and apparently sold out in 60 seconds, according to Redzepi.