The Bayonne public prosecutor’s office opened a preliminary investigation on its initiative into charges of sexual assault and violence into events which allegedly took place at the Hôtel du Palais, a luxury palace in Biarritz. According to the newspaper South Westa kitchen assistant reportedly suffered a “humiliating hazing”. The prosecution has not received any complaint at this stage, Bayonne public prosecutor Jérôme Bourrier told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
This “concerning incident” also caused the departure of the star chef from the luxury hotel, Aurélien Largeau, AFP learned Thursday, December 28 from the Hyatt group.
According to South West, the events allegedly took place on December 2 in the kitchen. For several hours, a young clerk was reportedly tied naked to a chair, with an apple in his mouth and a carrot in his buttocks, in front of members of the brigade, in the presence of chef Aurélien Largeau. Images were recorded and shared on social media, since removed.
Accusations denied by the chef
“The management of the Hôtel du Palais is informed of the worrying incident which took place on the premises of the hotel and of the images which have circulated”said an official from the Hyatt group, which operates the establishment. “This incident does not reflect the values that we defend, an investigation was carried out and the appropriate decisions were made. The safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, customers and partners are our top priorities”she added without making further comments.
The 31-year-old chef denied “formally the allegations” brought against him, denouncing to France Blue Basque Country facts “false and defamatory”. Aurélien Largeau said “ obviously condemn any form of mistreatment, hazing or humiliation within the brigades and more broadly”. “I would never associate myself with such behavior”he added, specifying that he was preparing his defense with his lawyers.
According to South West, the departure of Aurélien Largeau took place on December 21. This chef, recruited in 2020 to manage the gourmet restaurant of the five-star hotel, had a Michelin star since last year.
Contacted, the city of Biarritz, the main shareholder of the mixed economy company which owns the walls of the palace, whose personnel management is delegated to the Hyatt group, did not wish to comment on the matter. “We learned the information from the press”assures for his part one of the directors of the company, Patrick Destizon, opposition municipal councilor in Biarritz. “During the board meeting held on December 21, during which management [de l’hôtel] presented its quarterly management report, this episode was not mentioned”he emphasizes.