Noma head chef René Redzepi resigns after abuse allegations
Mar 12th 2026
René Redzepi has resigned as Noma's head chef after former employees accused him of abuse, prompting protests and sponsor withdrawals while the restaurant says the LA residency will continue without him.
- René Redzepi announced he is stepping down as head chef of Noma after more than two decades leading the restaurant.
- Dozens of former employees have accused him of verbal and physical abuse and creating a toxic workplace, according to media reports.
- Redzepi admitted to shouting and pushing staff, apologized, said he has sought therapy, and resigned from the board of his nonprofit MAD.
- Protests at Noma's Los Angeles pop-up led several corporate sponsors, including American Express, to withdraw support.
- Noma says the restaurant team will continue and the Los Angeles residency will go ahead without Redzepi.
- Reservations for the Los Angeles pop-up cost $1,500 per person and had sold out before the controversy emerged.