Noma's Rene Redzepi resigns as fine dining confronts 'brigade' culture

Rene Redzepi resigned after The New York Times published accounts from former employees alleging abuse, and sponsors pulled funding for Noma's Los Angeles pop-up, which opened amid protests.

Rene Redzepi, founder of Noma, stepped down this week after a New York Times report said dozens of former employees described abusive conduct at the Copenhagen restaurant. Noma is a highly regarded restaurant that helped define New Nordic cuisine and has won three Michelin stars and top rankings on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. The coverage coincided with a Los Angeles pop-up for Noma that lost sponsor support and opened to a small group of protesters. Redzepi announced his resignation in a short Instagram video in which he said an apology is not enough and that he takes responsibility for his actions. Known details: - Rene Redzepi announced his resignation from Noma following a New York Times report about alleged abuse by former employees. - The reporting described alleged incidents spanning roughly 2009 to 2017. - Noma is an influential, award-winning restaurant with three Michelin stars and multiple top rankings. - Sponsors withdrew funding for a Los Angeles pop-up, which proceeded amid a small protest; Redzepi posted a resignation video saying he takes responsibility. Summary: The resignation has prompted renewed discussion about when traditional "brigade de cuisine" leadership crosses into abusive behavior and about accountability in fine dining. Undetermined at this time.