Paris: Jean Imbert, accused of domestic violence, is no longer the head of the Plaza Athénée

It was temporary… in his words. Jean Imbert had announced that he would « stand back from [ses] establishments while justice does its work.” But the Plaza Athénée finally indicated to Le Parisien this Wednesday that he would no longer serve as chef there, confirming information from the EBRA group. The luxury hotel, however, tells us that “Jean Imbert remains at the Plaza Athénée as artistic director”.

The former winner of Top Chef, who arrived in the famous Parisian palace in 2021, succeeding Alain Ducasse, is currently the target of an investigation for domestic violence.

Former actress Lila Salet had in fact filed a complaint for acts described as spousal violence and kidnapping which took place, according to her, between 2012 and 2013, during her relationship with the chef, as reported by Elle magazine. In her complaint, Lila Salet mentions in particular recurring slaps and confinement in a hotel.

Jocelyn Herland to succeed him?

Lila Salet had already spoken to this magazine in April, alongside three other former companions accusing the chef of the famous Parisian address Plaza Athénée of physical and psychological violence. Jean Imbert, 44, denied in Elle having exercised the slightest physical or psychological violence towards his ex-partners.

On Tuesday August 19, Alexandra Rosenfeld, former Miss France (2006), also revealed on Instagram to be one of Jean Imbert’s ex-companions testifying in “Elle” against him under a pseudonym. She notably accused the former winner of Top Chef (2012) of having broken her nose, with an x-ray to support it.

It remains to be seen who will replace Jean Imbert? Jocelyn Herland, executive chef of the establishment “remains executive chef”, tells us the Plaza Athénée, without specifying whether his functions will be expanded to make him the new chef of the kitchens of the entire Hotel. The latter previously worked in the gourmet restaurants Le Meurice (two stars in the Michelin guide), Le Taillevent (two stars) and The Dorchester (three stars).