Prominent Michelin-starred Chef Resigns Following Allegations of Kitchen Hazing
Michelin-starred chef Aurélien Largeau resigns from his position at a prestigious Michelin one-star restaurant amidst disturbing allegations and evidence of hazing in the kitchen
The chef at the Michelin one-star restaurant La Table d'Aurélien Largeau, Aurélien Largeau, stepped down from his role on December 21 after allegations and imagery of an incident at the premises of Hotel du Palais, owned by the Hyatt Group in Biarritz, France. This was confirmed by the Hyatt Group to CNN on Thursday.
We cannot provide any further comments due to our company policy and to maintain the privacy of all parties involved, stated the Hyatt Group in a response to CNN.
The recent incident does not align with our core values, and we have taken the necessary steps to address the issue. Our top priorities remain the safety, health, and well-being of our employees, guests, and partners.
Sud Ouest, a well-known French newspaper in the region, first reported the "disturbing allegations and imagery." A Michelin-starred chef battles against the harmful kitchen culture, leaving my hands throbbing and burning.
The young assistant was restrained and exposed in front of restaurant staff and French chef Aurélien Largeau, as reported by Sud Ouest based on anonymous sources. Videos depicting the victim with an apple in his mouth and a carrot in his buttocks were recorded and circulated on social media, according to Sud Ouest's article released on December 26.
After the incident was reported, Largeau spoke to CNN affiliate BFMTV and denied all allegations against him. He referred to the allegations as "defamatory and false statements" and described them as a "monstrous attack" on his "honor" and his "formidable teams." BFMTV also mentioned that the Bayonne Public Prosecutors Office has initiated a preliminary investigation into the incident.
The videos that were circulating on social media have been removed, as reported by Sud Ouest and BFMTV.
Largeau assumed control of Hotel du Palais kitchens in 2020, and with his help the restaurant achieved a Michelin star, according to the restaurant's website.
Toxic kitchen culture has been in the spotlight in recent years as many chefs and restaurants have been called out for alleged abuses.
