Dozens Allege Violence in Noma’s Early Years (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Los Angeles — Two key sponsors have backed out of Noma’s highly anticipated pop-up dinners in Silver Lake amid fresh reports detailing alleged physical and psychological abuse by the restaurant’s founder, René Redzepi.[1][2]
Dozens Allege Violence in Noma’s Early Years
Thirty-five former Noma employees spoke to The New York Times about incidents spanning 2009 to 2017.[1] They described physical assaults including punches to the face and ribs, kicks, jabs with utensils, and slams against walls.[3] Psychological tactics involved body shaming, public ridicule, and threats to blacklist workers or harm their families.
One notable episode occurred in February 2014 during a busy dinner service. Redzepi reportedly led the kitchen staff outside, berated a sous-chef over music choice, then punched him while demanding a humiliating public admission.[1] Staff stood silent, a pattern former workers said enforced compliance through fear. Such accounts revived earlier whispers of a toxic culture at the Copenhagen restaurant, once ranked the world’s best multiple times.
Noma’s Ambitious LA Venture Faces Turbulence
The 16-week residency, set for March 11 to June 26 at a Silver Lake site, promised 42 guests per night innovative menus drawing on local ingredients.[4] Tickets priced at $1,500 each, including pairings and hospitality, sold out in 60 seconds when bookings opened.[3] Noma planned a pop-up shop for products like coffee and hot sauce, plus accessible collaborations at local spots.
Originally backed by partners including American Express and Blackbird, the event aimed to showcase foraging and fermentation in a new context.[5] Blackbird offered special access and subsidized industry nights at $250 per head. The pullout by sponsors cast immediate doubt on logistics just days before opening.
American Express Steps Away Decisively
American Express, via Resy and Tock, canceled a planned industry dinner and ended involvement after the March 7 Times report.[2] A Resy executive emailed invitees: “In light of the disturbing information… we are no longer hosting the dinner.” The company cited unacknowledged violence in the allegations.
Blackbird, led by Resy founder Ben Leventhal, remained listed as global partner on Noma’s site as of recent checks, though the original sponsorship announcements highlighted both firms’ roles.[2] Noma proceeded with opening plans unchanged, donating 1% of revenue to LA training programs.
Redzepi Apologizes, Vows Reforms
Redzepi addressed the claims on Instagram, stating: “I cannot change who I was then. But I take responsibility for it and will keep doing the work to be better.”[3] He referenced therapy, stepping back from daily operations, and past admissions like a 2015 essay where he called himself a “bully” who yelled and pushed staff.
Noma highlighted changes: paid interns, better hours, HR protocols, and an independent audit.[3] A former fermentation lab head, Jason Ignacio White, planned a protest with One Fair Wage, demanding reparations and industry dialogue. “Together we will stand against violence and exploitation,” White posted.[3]
Key Takeaways
- Allegations date to 2009-2017; Noma claims major cultural shifts since.
- LA pop-up opens March 11 despite backlash, fully booked.
- Sponsor exits spotlight fine dining’s accountability push.
The scandal underscores tensions in elite kitchens, where innovation often clashed with grueling demands. As Noma LA launches tomorrow, diners and industry watchers alike ponder if past shadows will dim its West Coast debut. What do you think about the balance between culinary excellence and workplace standards? Tell us in the comments.
