High-end Noma L.A. pop-up will still open despite restaurant abuse controversy

"A former Noma employee has for weeks posted a series of anonymous messages to Instagram from other workers and interns recounting physical, verbal and emotional abuse sustained in years prior. These accounts were compiled and posted by Jason Ignacio White, who previously helmed Noma's fermentation lab. White also posts about his own mental health struggles during his years at the Copenhagen restaurant."

"A New York Times article on Saturday reported accounts of abuse compiled from interviews with 35 former Noma staff, including instances of humiliation, physical violence and intimidation. According to the New York Times, these incidents occurred between 2009 and 2017."

"Redzepi could not be reached for comment, but on Saturday he posted an apology to those he hurt, and underscored that Noma has rectified practices with new initiatives, such as paying interns."

Noma, the renowned Copenhagen restaurant, is proceeding with its 16-week Los Angeles pop-up despite renewed allegations of abuse against chef René Redzepi. Former employees and interns have shared accounts of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse spanning 2009 to 2017, compiled by Jason Ignacio White and reported by the New York Times from 35 former staff members. The sold-out pop-up charges $1,500 per seat and begins in Silver Lake. Redzepi issued a public apology acknowledging past harm while stating the restaurant has implemented reforms, including paying interns. The situation has divided the restaurant industry and sparked discussions about systemic workplace imbalance and fair compensation practices.

Read at Los Angeles Times