If you’ve ever worked in food service, or at least seen an episode of The Bear, you’ll know that kitchens are high-stress environments at the best of times. Sometimes, employees like to prank each other to let off a little steam — a quick search of the r/KitchenConfidential subreddit confirms as much. Unfortunately, harmless pranks can sometimes go too far, especially when done under the guise of “hazing” a new employee.


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The French culinary world has been rocked by the announcement that Aurélien Largeau, chef at the Michelin-starred La Table d’Aurélien recently left his position following allegations of hazing in his kitchen. French newspaper Sud Ouest reported that a young assistant was tied to a chair while naked in front of other members of the staff and Largeau. In addition, it was alleged that videos were shared to social media showing the victim with an apple in his mouth and a carrot in his ass.


The restaurant is located at the Hotel du Palais in Biarritz and owned by the Hyatt Group, which shared a statement with CNN. “The incident did not reflect the strong values we all stand for, and the appropriate decisions have now been taken,” it read. “The security, wellness and wellbeing of our colleagues, guests and partners are always our utmost priorities.”


Largeau also shared a statement, condemning the allegations as “defamatory and false statements” and describing them as a “monstrous attack” on his honor. The Bayonne Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident.




While much of French social media seems split on the issue, with some sharing a screenshot allegedly from the victim in which he denies the incident ever occurred, other food service professionals have described the hazing as sexual assault and compared it to the relatively harmless pranks they’re used to. Over on r/KitchenConfidential, Redditors described the incident as “a bit too much” and hoping the victim has the support of his colleagues, with one user commenting, “I couldn’t care less about the dishes you make if you treat people like garbage. What a piece of trash.”