Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has come under fire after allegedly forcing a canapé into a waiter's mouth during a luxury awards ceremony in London, leaving guests shocked by his behaviour. The incident reportedly took place at the Walpole British Luxury Awards at The Dorchester hotel in Mayfair on Monday, where the Hell's Kitchen star was being honoured for his contribution to British hospitality.
The Daily Mail's Richard Eden reports that Ramsay was at a reception before the ceremony when a waiter approached him with a tray of cone-shaped canapés. The 60-year-old chef allegedly picked up one of the snacks, but rather than eating it himself, he shoved it down the waiter's throat.
The employee was holding the tray with both hands, and it appears that he could not react without dropping the food. Ramsay then allegedly gave him a double thumbs-up before walking away.
An eyewitness described the incident as "disrespectful," adding that he could not believe the way the celebrity chef had treated the waiter. The unnamed waiter also expressed his discomfort over the awkward encounter.
"I was embarrassed because we're not supposed to eat while we're serving guests," he told the newspaper. He questioned why Ramsay had put him in such a position while he was simply doing his job.
When approached for comment, Ramsay's spokesman declined to address the allegation directly and instead criticised the newspaper for focusing on the incident. "Shame on you," the representative said.
Ramsay received the Visionary Award at the ceremony, which was attended by around 350 guests from Britain's luxury industry. The award recognised his achievements in hospitality, including his investment in restaurants at London's 22 Bishopsgate.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on social media regarding the treatment of service staff by high-profile celebrities. Many users have called for an apology, arguing that professional boundaries should be respected regardless of one's status.
As of now, the hotel management has not issued an official statement regarding the conduct of the guest. The incident remains a major talking point in the British hospitality sector.
Ramsay, known for his volatile personality on television, has often faced scrutiny for his intense management style, but this physical interaction has drawn particular condemnation from industry peers.