Noma restaurant pop-up in Silver Lake prompts protests amid abuse claims against Chef René Redzepi

SILVER LAKE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — One of the top restaurant’s in the world is opening up a pop-up in Silver Lake, and it’s making headlines not just for its food or steep price tag – but for abuse allegations against its chef.

Chef René Redzepi led Noma to the top ranking on the world’s best restaurant list five times. Despite holding three Michelin stars, he eventually closed Noma in Denmark.

A pop-up restaurant set to open Wednesday in Los Angeles, with dinner costing $1,500 per person.

But the allegations of violence and intimidation from former employees have prompted some corporate partners of the pop-up to back out.

Redzepi has previously addressed his behavior, calling himself a bully in 2015.

He apologized in a new social media post after the New York Times uncovered dozens of allegations of abuse from his former employees.

“To those who have suffered under my leader, my bad judgement, or my anger, I am deeply sorry and I have worked to change,” Redzepi said. “I take responsibility for it and will keep doing the work to be better.”

Noma says they’ve improved workplace conditions, and the chef says he’s sought therapy.

The restaurant is set to open in Silver Lake today through June 26.

Former employees say they will hold protests the whole time the pop-up is open. Those start before Noma first dinner service Wednesday.