Jean Imbert Removed as Plaza Athénée Chef Amid Domestic Violence Allegations

Jean Imbert, the Michelin-starred chef and former Top Chef winner, has been removed from his position at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. The separation is reported to have taken effect immediately.

The decision follows a series of domestic abuse allegations and legal complaints involving several of the chef’s former partners. Imbert had served as the head chef at the establishment since 2021, where he succeeded Alain Ducasse and earned a Michelin star in 2022.

Details of the Allegations

The current legal scrutiny intensified following a complaint filed on August 23, 2025, by actor Lila Salet, a former partner of the chef. Salet’s complaint alleges incidents occurring between 2012 and 2013, including recurring slaps and an instance of sequestration in a hotel.

Additional accusations were brought forward by Alexandra Rosenfeld, Miss France 2006. On August 19, 2025, Rosenfeld stated via Instagram that she suffered a fractured nose resulting from a headbutt delivered by Imbert. She further described a pattern of belittlement, contempt, and psychological manipulation designed to make her doubt her own value.

These reports are not isolated incidents. In April 2025, the magazine ELLE published testimonies from four of Imbert’s former partners. These women described similar patterns of both physical and psychological violence imposed by the chef.

Response and Professional Impact

On August 27, 2025, Jean Imbert announced he would step back from his establishments to allow the judicial process to proceed. A spokesperson for the chef stated that Imbert deeply regretted the incident involving Rosenfeld, characterizing the injury as occurring during a moment of violence.

The Dorchester Collection, which manages the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, initially described the move as Imbert temporarily stepped down from his role as consultant. However, subsequent reports from Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Le Parisien confirm he is no longer the chef of the starred restaurant.

Career Context

Beyond his role at the Plaza Athénée, Imbert is a prominent figure in French gastronomy and pop culture, known for his victory on the competition show Top Chef. His professional profile has included high-profile collaborations with luxury brands such as Dior and Nespresso.

The fallout from these allegations marks a significant shift for the 44-year-old chef, who had spent several years building a reputation as a leading culinary figure in Paris and a celebrity personality in the French media landscape.

The legal proceedings regarding the complaints filed by Salet and others are ongoing as the French justice system investigates the claims of domestic violence.