Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Gordon Ramsay

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Gordon Ramsay.

Gordon Ramsay is a highly acclaimed British chef, restaurateur, TV personality, and writer. He founded Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in 1997, which has earned 17 Michelin stars, with eight currently held. His flagship restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London, has maintained three Michelin stars since 2001. Rising to prominence after the British television series Boiling Point, Ramsay has become one of the world's most recognized and influential chefs.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: Appearance on MasterChef-like Series

In 1997, Ramsay appeared as a judge on a MasterChef-like series for young catering students, where he was seen bullying the young winner.

1998: Lawsuit from A-Z Restaurants

In 1998, following Ramsay's resignation from Aubergine, A-Z restaurants sued him for £1 million citing lost revenue and breach of contract, but eventually settled out of court.

June 2006: High Court Win Against London Evening Standard

In June 2006, Ramsay won a High Court case against the London Evening Standard newspaper, after allegations that scenes from Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares were faked. Ramsay was awarded £75,000 plus costs.

June 2007: Lawsuit by Terminated General Manager of Purnima

In June 2007, Ramsay's show was sued by the terminated general manager of the New York restaurant Purnima (Dillon's), who alleged fakery, alleging that 'problems uncovered and solved' by Ramsay were created by him and his staff.

August 2007: Dismissal of Lawsuit and Order into Arbitration

In August 2007, the lawsuit against Ramsay by the terminated general manager of Purnima was dismissed voluntarily and ordered into arbitration as stipulated in their contract.

2008: Fallout with Wareing

In 2008, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing fell out. Wareing kept the restaurant premises and the stars, while Ramsay received rights to the name Pétrus.

October 2010: Chris Hutcheson Left Gordon Ramsay Holdings

On 19 October 2010, Chris Hutcheson left his position as CEO of Gordon Ramsay Holdings Limited.

March 2012: $2.7 Million Lawsuit Against Former Partners

In March 2012, Ramsay filed a $2.7 million lawsuit against his former partners of his restaurant in Montreal, Quebec, the Laurier Gordon Ramsay, over lost licensing fees and defamatory statements.

April 2013: Closure of Laurier 1936

On 16 April 2013, just over a year after the lawsuit was filed, Laurier 1936, formerly known as Laurier Gordon Ramsay, closed.

April 2017: Hutcheson Pleaded Guilty to Hacking

In April 2017, Chris Hutcheson pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to hack into the computers of Gordon Ramsay Holdings Limited.

March 2020: Layoffs in the UK due to Coronavirus Lockdown

On 24 March 2020, Gordon Ramsay laid off more than 500 staff in the UK after a number of his restaurants had to close temporarily under the coronavirus lockdown, leading to criticism despite his estimated net income of US$63 million in 2019.