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Updated 12 March 2026 - René Redzepi, the celebrated chef behind Copenhagen's world-renowned restaurant Noma, has stepped down following accusations of fostering a toxic and abusive workplace.
Redzepi announces departure
In a social media post on Thursday, Redzepi confirmed his resignation after leading Noma for over 20 years. "After more than two decades of building and leading this restaurant, I've decided to step away and allow our extraordinary leaders to guide Noma into its next chapter," he wrote.
Allegations of abuse surface
Recent reports, including an investigation by The New York Times, detailed accounts from dozens of former employees who described a culture of verbal and physical abuse at the restaurant. Accusations ranged from verbal threats to physical mistreatment, spanning nearly two decades since Noma's founding in 2003.
Jason Ignacio White, a former Noma employee, told media outlets he witnessed widespread abuse during his tenure. "To be honest with you, I think the repercussions of staying silent are worse than me speaking up and standing with my peers against violence," White said.
Redzepi's response and apology
In a subsequent Instagram statement, Redzepi acknowledged his actions, stating, "An apology is not enough; I take responsibility for my own actions." He admitted to having "shouted and pushed people, acting in ways that are unacceptable" and shared that he had sought therapy to address his behavior.
"To those who have suffered under my leadership, my bad judgement, or my anger, I am deeply sorry and I have worked to change."
René Redzepi
Fallout and protests
Protests erupted outside Noma's pop-up location in Los Angeles's Silver Lake neighborhood, with wage-rights groups demanding Redzepi's resignation. Saru Jayaraman, a representative of One Fair Wage, questioned the ethics of dining at such an establishment. "Who wants to eat in an environment of abuse?" she told CBS News. "Who wants to eat food that comes from the tears and sweat of people who are suffering?"
Corporate sponsors, including American Express, withdrew support from the 16-week dinner series in Los Angeles. Reservations for the pop-up, priced at $1,500 per person, had sold out within minutes.
Impact on Noma and MAD
Redzepi assured that Noma's team would proceed with the Los Angeles residency without him, calling the current staff "the strongest and most inspiring it has ever been." He also resigned from the board of MAD, a nonprofit he founded in 2011 to support newcomers to the restaurant industry.
"We've been open for 23 years, and I'm incredibly proud of our people, our creativity, and the direction Noma is heading," Redzepi said in his statement.
