New shock for fans of television cooking: one of the most striking faces of season 13 has just stepped aside. Belgian chef Arnaud Delvenne, finalist of the 2022 edition on M6, announced at the beginning of September that he was putting away his knives and leaving the media scene, before deactivating his Instagram account.
This decision, presented as a break focused on his private life, comes after a few years of intense light between television, restaurants and radio. And then, above all, she arrives a few weeks after accusations aimed at her behavior in the kitchen, which deeply shook her image.
From Top Chef to the withdrawal of Arnaud Delvenne
Originally from Liège, Arnaud Delvenne made himself known to the general public by reaching the final of season 13 in 2022, ultimately won by Louise Bourrat. This exhibition immediately opened other doors for him: collaborations in catering, events, a strong presence on Instagram, then a column on Bel RTL radio. In a few months, his daily life has changed in scale.
In his last message published on Instagram, the chef wrote: , explained Arnaud Delvenne in a post cited by Food et Sens. He concluded with a message addressed to his community. His account was immediately deactivated, confirming a real pause in his public presence.
Accusations of harassment at the heart of the decision
If this announcement has so much resonance, it is because it follows summer revelations about his professional behavior. A former clerk, Samuel, who worked with him at the La Micheline restaurant in Sèvres, within the Les Bistrots Pas Parisiens group, accuses him of moral and sexual harassment. The story describes an atmosphere considered oppressive, mixing inappropriate comments, inappropriate gestures and uncomfortable text message exchanges.
Questioned after this testimony, the chef admitted part of the facts and apologized to his ex-collaborator. He explained that he had followed training and confided: An internal investigation carried out by Les Bistrots Pas Parisiens did not result in any disciplinary sanctions, and certain accusations remain, at this stage, within the possible jurisdiction of the courts.
A media career on hold for the Belgian Top Chef
Speaking of “leaving (his) knives in (his) briefcase for a while”, the finalist suggests that the break is not just for Instagram. His message evokes both a withdrawal from social networks and a putting on hold his activity as a publicized chef, with no return timetable or announced project. For the community, the future of Arnaud Delvenne therefore remains unclear.
Because ultimately, his case also illustrates the less visible side of the starization of chefs from television. exploded the notoriety of an entire generation, with full restaurants, brand collaborations and a well-followed word. But here again, this exhibition works in both directions: controversies about management, health at work or behavior in the kitchen no longer remain behind closed doors. The Belgian chef is choosing silence today, nevertheless leaving the door ajar to a return that his words announce: the media scene has perhaps not seen his last appearance.
Why did Arnaud Delvenne announce his withdrawal from the media scene?
In his Instagram message, the chef explains that he wants to refocus on his private life and his health after several years of intense work. He announces that he is withdrawing from Instagram and putting his chef activity on hold for a while.
What accusations are Arnaud Delvenne facing at La Micheline?
A former clerk at La Micheline, in Sèvres, accuses him of moral and sexual harassment within the Les Bistrots Pas Parisiens group, citing comments, gestures and SMS messages deemed inappropriate. Some of these accusations have not been legally established to date.
Is Arnaud Delvenne’s withdrawal definitive?
No, the chef is talking about a break and not a complete stop. His message ends with the promise “We’ll see you soon”, without specifying a date or return conditions.
Sources
- Beauty Test
“Top chef Arnaud Delvenne makes a radical decision after these accusations and even those close to him did not expect it”
