Former Noma Staffers Allege Years of Abuse by Chef Rene Redzepi

Dozens of ex-workers describe pattern of physical and psychological mistreatment at famed Copenhagen restaurant

Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:43pm

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A New York Times investigation has uncovered allegations of abuse and violence by renowned chef Rene Redzepi against staff at his acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant Noma between 2009 and 2017. Nearly three dozen former employees describe incidents of Redzepi punching, jabbing, and slamming cooks, as well as publicly humiliating and threatening them with career blacklisting or deportation. Redzepi has acknowledged his past "harmful" behavior as a "terrible boss" and "bully" but denies ever physically hitting anyone. As Noma shifts to pop-up events, including a controversial $1,500-per-head LA run, former workers say Redzepi has never fully reckoned with the systemic abuse they endured.

Why it matters

The allegations against Redzepi and Noma shine a light on the often-abusive culture in high-end restaurant kitchens, where young, vulnerable workers may feel pressured to endure mistreatment in order to advance their careers. The revelations could also impact Noma's reputation and future pop-up events as the restaurant grapples with the fallout.

The details

According to the New York Times report, dozens of former Noma employees described a pattern of physical and psychological abuse by Redzepi, including cooks being punched in the chest or stomach, jabbed with utensils, slammed against walls, and publicly mocked or threatened with career blacklisting or deportation of family members. One chef recalled being hit so hard she fell and cut herself, while others said being struck by Redzepi or senior staff was simply part of the job. Many stayed at Noma despite the abuse, viewing it as a "golden ticket" in the industry.

  • The alleged abuse took place between 2009 and 2017 at Noma's Copenhagen restaurant.
  • Redzepi previously acknowledged his "harmful" behavior as a "terrible boss" and "bully" in a 2015 essay.
  • Noma is now shifting to globe-trotting pop-up events, including a controversial $1,500-per-head run in Los Angeles.

The players

Rene Redzepi

The renowned chef who built Noma into a temple of haute cuisine, but is now accused of routinely physically and psychologically abusing his staff.

Noma

The acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant founded by Redzepi, which is now pivoting to pop-up events as it grapples with the fallout from the abuse allegations.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Protests are being planned at Noma's upcoming $1,500-per-head pop-up event in Los Angeles as the restaurant faces backlash over the abuse allegations.

The takeaway

The allegations against Redzepi and Noma highlight the systemic abuse that can occur in high-pressure restaurant environments, where young, vulnerable workers may feel compelled to endure mistreatment in order to advance their careers. The revelations could have lasting impacts on Noma's reputation and future as the restaurant grapples with the fallout.