Renowned chef Aurélien Largeau, who headed the Michelin one-star restaurant La Table d’Aurélien Largeau, resigned from his position on December 21 following troubling allegations and images related to an incident within the premises of Hotel du Palais, confirmed by the Hyatt Group to CNN on Thursday.
Hotel du Palais, situated in the southwestern French coastal town of Biarritz, housed Largeau’s restaurant, and the Hyatt Group, which owns the hotel, stated, “Due to our company policy and to respect the privacy of everyone involved, we cannot comment any further.” The statement emphasized that the incident did not align with the values they uphold, and appropriate decisions had been made, prioritizing the security, wellness, and well-being of colleagues, guests, and partners.
The “concerning allegations and imagery” were initially reported by Sud Ouest, a prominent local French newspaper. According to Sud Ouest, based on anonymous sources, a young assistant was reportedly tied naked to a chair in the presence of the restaurant’s staff and chef Aurélien Largeau. The newspaper reported that videos of the incident were recorded and shared on social media, depicting the victim with an apple in his mouth and a carrot in his buttocks.
Following the revelation of the incident, Largeau issued a statement to CNN affiliate BFMTV, vehemently denying any allegations. He referred to the accusations as “defamatory and false statements” and described them as a “monstrous attack” on his “honor” and his “formidable teams.” BFMTV also reported that the Bayonne Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated a preliminary investigation into the incident.
The videos circulating on social media have since been taken down, as reported by Sud Ouest and BFMTV.
According to the restaurant’s website, Largeau assumed leadership of Hotel du Palais’ kitchens in 2020 and played a role in obtaining a Michelin star for the restaurant.
The incident adds to the growing scrutiny of toxic kitchen cultures in recent years, with numerous chefs and restaurants facing allegations of abuse. This incident underscores the importance of addressing workplace practices and fostering an environment that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all individuals in the culinary industry. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will shed more light on the specifics of the incident and any potential legal consequences for those involved.
The culinary world has witnessed a shift in recent years, with increased awareness and activism against abusive practices. The incident involving Chef Aurélien Largeau serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the industry and the need for continued efforts to promote a healthier and more respectful workplace culture.