Imbert's Michelin-starred career now defined by investigation fallout
Imbert's removal from prestigious positions undermines a career built on culinary achievement and acclaim.
Event / Society
Jean Imbert Domestic Violence Investigation
French celebrity chef Jean Imbert placed in police custody in August 2025 for questioning regarding domestic violence allegations from three women, including former Miss France Alexandra Rosenfeld and actress Lila Salet, with incidents allegedly occurring between 2012 and 2014. Imbert denies all allegations. Investigation transferred from Versailles to Paris prosecutor's office in late August 2025.
3 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-13 to 2026-11-10 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 3 Aug, 17:53 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Plaza Athénée removes Jean Imbert from management positions
In mid-April 2026, the Plaza Athénée restaurant in Paris formally removed chef Jean Imbert from his management and executive functions while maintaining his role as artistic director until the end of his contract in June 2026.
Lila Salet accuses Jean Imbert of physical and psychological abuse
Actress Lila Salet publicly alleged on social media that Jean Imbert was extremely violent toward her, including hitting her hard in the head, using violent language, and exercising control that prevented her from maintaining relationships with family members.
Alexandra Rosenfeld alleges physical violence by Jean Imbert
Former Miss France Alexandra Rosenfeld stated that Jean Imbert hit her in the head with a headbutt, causing her to bleed from the nose, and that she screamed in response before a staff member removed her from the situation.
Jean Imbert placed in police custody for domestic violence allegations
Chef Jean Imbert was placed in police custody on Monday, August 3, 2026, in Paris by police investigating domestic violence allegations. He was being questioned regarding accusations made by three ex-partners. His custody was extended on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, potentially lasting until Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Jean Imbert held Michelin star at prestigious Paris and Cannes restaurants
Chef Jean Imbert achieved a Michelin star and held prestigious positions as executive chef at the Plaza Athénée in Paris and the Martinez in Cannes.
Three women file domestic violence complaints against chef Jean Imbert
Three ex-partners filed formal complaints against chef Jean Imbert accusing him of domestic violence. One complaint was filed by actress Lila Salet approximately one year before August 2026, and another by former Miss France Alexandra Rosenfeld. The allegations were formally investigated by the Paris prosecutor's office and assigned to the XVI arrondissement police station.
Jean Imbert won Top Chef season 3
Chef Jean Imbert won season 3 of the television cooking competition Top Chef in 2012, launching his rise to prominence in French gastronomy.
Chef Jean Imbert steps back from Martinez hotel role in Cannes
Chef Jean Imbert withdrew from his position at the Martinez hotel in Cannes, where he had organized the prestigious Cannes Film Festival jury dinner. This occurred prior to his removal from Plaza Athénée in April 2025.
Chef Jean Imbert denies domestic violence allegations
Chef Jean Imbert contests all allegations of domestic violence against him. His legal representatives state he is responding point-by-point to investigation elements and that he brought numerous documents and material evidence to support his version of events during his police questioning.
Actress Lila Salet files domestic violence complaint against chef Jean Imbert
Actress Lila Salet filed a domestic violence complaint against chef Jean Imbert in summer 2025, alleging incidents that occurred between 2012 and 2013. This complaint prompted the opening of an investigation by the Versailles prosecutor's office, which was later transferred to the Paris prosecutor's office.
Chef Jean Imbert removed from Plaza Athénée restaurant position
The management of Plaza Athénée, a prestigious Parisian luxury hotel, announced on April 15, 2025, that chef Jean Imbert no longer held his position heading the starred restaurant at the establishment.
Chef Jean Imbert placed in police custody for domestic violence investigation
Chef Jean Imbert was placed in police custody on Monday, August 3, 2025, in Paris. He is being questioned by investigators regarding allegations of domestic violence. His lawyers, Jacqueline Laffont and Julie Benedetti, confirmed he is responding to all questions from investigators and brought supporting documents to his questioning.
Three women file domestic violence complaints against chef Jean Imbert
Three women have filed domestic violence complaints against chef Jean Imbert. The complaints include allegations spanning multiple years. At least one complaint was filed in summer 2025 and another in March 2025, with the investigation transferred from Versailles prosecutor's office to Paris prosecutor's office on August 29, 2025.
Alexandra Rosenfeld, Miss France 2006, alleges domestic violence by chef Jean Imbert
Alexandra Rosenfeld, former Miss France (2006), publicly disclosed that chef Jean Imbert broke her nose in October 2013 while they co-hosted a television show on M6. She filed an official complaint in March 2025, stating she remained in the relationship due to control and sought healing rather than compensation.
Chef Jean Imbert is Top Chef 2012 winner and prominent French gastronomist
Jean Imbert, 45, is a French celebrity chef who won the cooking competition Top Chef in 2012. Before the domestic violence allegations, he was known as one of France's prominent gastronomists and held positions at luxury establishments including the Martinez hotel and Plaza Athénée.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Investigation details emerge in Imbert domestic violence case
Three women filed domestic violence complaints against chef Imbert; investigation details specific allegations of physical and psychological abuse.
Imbert steps down from Plaza Athénée and Martinez positions
Chef Imbert removed from Plaza Athénée and Martinez roles amid domestic violence investigation.
Celebrity Chef Imbert Placed in Custody Over Domestic Violence Allegations
Top Chef winner Jean Imbert in custody over domestic violence allegations from three women; he denies charges.