Noma loses major sponsors for Los Angeles events after reports of abuse

"Although I don't recognize all details in these stories, I can see enough of my past behavior reflected in them to understand that my actions were harmful to people who worked with me. He apologized to those who have suffered under my leadership, my bad judgment, or my anger, and said he had worked to change, including therapy and finding better ways to manage my anger."

"Rene's past practices, by his own admission, were unacceptable and abhorrent. We cannot lean on time elapsed and rehabilitation claims when these things resurface. Regardless of context, this is highly problematic behavior."

Allegations surfaced that Rene Redzepi, head chef and co-owner of Noma, engaged in years of psychological and physical abuse toward staff, including punching employees and slamming them into walls. Following New York Times reporting on these allegations, major sponsors withdrew support from Noma's upcoming four-month Los Angeles pop-up event scheduled to begin that week. Redzepi acknowledged in a statement that his past behavior was harmful, citing therapy and anger management efforts as part of his personal work. Despite the controversy, the LA pop-up had sold out in three minutes at $1,500 per ticket. Noma previously announced plans to transition from a full-time restaurant to a food laboratory and test kitchen while continuing pop-up events globally.

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