New shock wave for fans of television cooking: one of the most striking faces of season 13 has just disappeared from the radar. At the beginning of September, Belgian chef Arnaud Delvenne published a message on Instagram before disappearing from the network, leaving his subscribers, and part of the community, in the dark.
Because behind these few lines, the 2022 finalist suggests that he is putting his life as a chef on hold and that Arnaud Delvenne is suspending his media career for an indefinite period. A decision which falls a few weeks after accusations targeting his behavior in the kitchen and which raises many questions.
A message from Arnaud Delvenne which takes an unexpected break
In this last post, the chef writes: , explained Arnaud Delvenne in a message published on Instagram, cited by Food & Sens. He also announces that he is moving away from the social network and confides that he wants, for a time, to refocus his daily life away from the cameras and comments.
The chef further clarifies that he matters, suggesting that it is not just a simple withdrawal from social networks. His Instagram account was immediately deactivated, and the message ends on an open, almost reassuring note: . And then, behind this promise, no date, no detailed plan appears.
Accusations of harassment: what Arnaud Delvenne admitted
If this announcement resonates so much, it is because it comes after summer revelations about his attitude at work. In July, a former clerk who worked with him at the restaurant La Micheline, in Sèvres, within the Les Bistrots Pas Parisiens group, denounced behavior amounting, according to him, to moral and sexual harassment. The story highlights comments and gestures experienced as oppressive in the brigade.
Questioned by a daily newspaper, Arnaud Delvenne admitted certain inappropriate behavior and apologized to his ex-collaborator. He thus admits: , he declared in particular to Le Parisien. The boss also conceded that certain SMS exchanges were not acceptable and said he had started work on his management methods. An internal investigation was carried out within the group, without leading to a disciplinary sanction, and it is recalled that not all the accusations have, at this stage, been legally established.
Top Chef, notoriety accelerator for Arnaud Delvenne and zone of turbulence
The case of Arnaud Delvenne takes on particular importance because of his media career. This Liège chef had reached the final of season 13 in 2022, finally won by Louise Bourrat, and the show gave him immediate notoriety. Television, social networks, collaborations in catering, then columnist on Bel RTL: in a few months, his career changed dimension.
Because ultimately, this withdrawal also raises the question of the hidden side of these dazzling journeys. has propelled a whole generation of cooks who have become public figures, with full restaurants and very well-spoken words. But here again, the exhibition works both ways: controversies over management and the behavior of chefs no longer remain confined to kitchens. For Arnaud Delvenne, the time has come for silence, with this half-open door to a possible return, and an environment waiting to see in what form he will bring out his knives.
Why is Arnaud Delvenne suspending his career and withdrawing from social networks?
In his farewell message to Instagram, the chef says he wants to refocus on his private life and his health after years of intense work. He announces that he is moving away from the social network and putting his chef activity on hold for a while.
What accusations have Arnaud Delvenne been facing since the summer of 2026?
A former clerk who worked with him at La Micheline, in Sèvres, accuses him of moral and sexual harassment within the Les Bistrots Pas Parisiens group. The chief acknowledged certain inappropriate behaviors and unacceptable text message exchanges, while other elements remain within the scope of investigations and justice.
Is Arnaud Delvenne’s withdrawal from the media scene presented as definitive?
No, his message evokes a break and not a total stop: he speaks of a temporary distance from the stove and assures that he will return. The duration and modalities of a possible return remain unknown for the moment.
