Two major sponsors have turned their backs on the$1,500-a-night Noma pop-upin Los Angeles after bombshell claims were leveled against its head chef.
American Express and the startup Blackbird said they were pulling their deals afterRené Redzepi was accused of physically and verbally abusingdozens of workers.
Last week the culinary world was rocked when 35 people who had worked with the master chef claimed he had attacked them between 2009 and 2017.
The allegations included punching, shoving, threats of deportation and public shaming for mistakes made in the kitchen.
Blackbird founder Ben Leventhal toldThe New York Times: “René’s past practices, by his own admission, were unacceptable and abhorrent.”
A spokesman for American Express said: “Our priority is to support the restaurant community and not let this decision impact the many people who have worked hard to bring this residency to life, from local farmers to purveyors and more.”
They added the company was “stepping away” and will “reinvest the proceeds” to Los Angeles hospitality workers.
American Express had bought up six nights for Platinum cardholders and Blackbird had $100,000 worth. They both said buyers will be refunded and the proceeds will go to the LA hospitality sector.
Dozens of former Noma staff accusedcelebrity chef Redzepiof widespread physical, verbal, and psychological abuse last week, describing the work environment as “going to war.”
Workers alleged he routinely punched workers, jabbed them with kitchen tools, and slammed them against walls.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
