Internationally acclaimed chef René Redzepi has resigned as the head chef of Noma following allegations of abuse.
Noma has been regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world, and has been led by René Redzepi since 2003. The restaurant is located in Copenhagen and is known for its world-class cuisine and 20-course meals.
He announced his departure on social media, saying that after more than two decades of building and leading the restaurant, he has decided to step away and allow its extraordinary leaders to guide the restaurant into its next chapter.
He also addressed the rumours that have circulated about him.
“To those who have suffered under my leadership, my bad judgment, or my anger, I am deeply sorry, and I have worked to change,” he said in a statement online.
“I cannot change who I was then. But I take responsibility for it and will keep doing the work to be better.”
Former Noma employees had accused Redzepi of creating a toxic workplace atmosphere, and alleged that he was verbally and physically abusive towards them. All allegations to date have been filtered through media reporting.
“A decade ago, I began speaking openly about my behaviour in the kitchen - the outbursts, the anger, and at times even the physical aggression. Where I shouted and pushed people, acting in ways that are unacceptable.”
This has come to light just as Noma is preparing for a Los Angeles residency. Corporate sponsors of the endeavour had begun to pull out following the allegations.
Redzepi said that the team would continue their work at the Los Angeles pop-up.
He has also resigned from the board of MAD, a non-profit organisation he founded in 2011, which assists newcomers to the restaurant and hospitality industry.
“Although I don’t recognise all the details in these stories, I can see enough of my past behaviour reflected in them to understand that my actions were harmful to people who worked with me,” the statement said.
“The organisation we are today is very different from the one we started with. I’m grateful for our team and the way they have helped transform our kitchen culture and their dedication to move the industry forward. A team that makes me want to do better every day.”
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