Top French chef quits hotel job after reported ‘naked’ hazing ritual

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A top French chef walked away from a luxury hotel job following reports a kitchen hand was tied to a chair while naked in a humiliating hazing ritual.

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Aurelien Largeau, 31, was working at Hotel du Palais in Biarritz, in southwestern France, up until last week when he abruptly quit.

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France 24, citing French regional daily Sud Ouest, reports footage of an initiation ritual in the hotel kitchen was shared online.

According to a description of the video, a kitchen hand was tied up naked for hours with an apple in his mouth and a carrot in his anus.

A kitchen hand performs cleaning duties within a kitchen or food preparation area and is accountable for its maintenance.

Largeau, who has a Michelin star to his name, was present during the hazing incident, along with all the other chefs at the hotel.

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The video was later removed from the internet, the report said.

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The incident took place “under the authority, and in the presence, of chef Aurelien Largeau,” Sud Ouest reported.

Hotel owners Hyatt said an investigation is underway.

“This incident does not reflect the values that we defend,” a Hyatt spokeswoman said. “We have undertaken an investigation and taken the appropriate decisions.

“The safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, clients and partners are absolute priorities for us.”

Under French law, hazing is illegal.

However, the initiations still reportedly occur in some restaurants as junior staff are tested to see if they can handle the pressures of a new job.

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