Chef Jean Imbert was taken into custody on Monday in Paris. Investigators wish to question him about several accusations of domestic violence made by former partners. The winner of Top chef Jean Imbert is now the subject of three complaints, including one filed by Alexandra Rosenfeld. This detention marks a new stage in the legal proceedings of a case that came to light in April 2025. At that time, four women who had been in the chef's life described physical and psychological abuse. Imbert denies the allegations against him and remains presumed innocent.
Jean Imbert questioned while in police custody
The measure is intended to allow police to question Jean Imbert about the specific events alleged in the complaints, the various relationships involved, and the physical evidence submitted to the investigations. Investigators can also compare his statements with witness statements already gathered, medical certificates, text messages, and other documents provided by the complainants. At this stage, no decision has been announced regarding a possible extension of his custody or a court appearance.
Alexandra Rosenfeld reports a broken nose
Alexandra Rosenfeld, Miss France 2006, filed a complaint in February 2026 alleging physical and psychological abuse she suffered during her relationship with Jean Imbert between 2013 and 2014. She accuses her former partner of fracturing her nose in October 2013 while they were filming a cooking show. According to her account, an argument began after she received a message concerning the custody of her daughter. Jean Imbert allegedly insulted her before headbutting her.
Alexandra Rosenfeld claims she was injured and had a nosebleed. She was nevertheless required to continue filming after having makeup applied to conceal the marks of the impact. A makeup artist present that day confirmed seeing her injuries. The former Miss France also presented an X-ray showing a broken nose caused by a direct blow.
Jean Imbert disputed this version of events. His defense cited an extremely conflictual relationship and maintained that the incident occurred when the cook tried to break free. He denies having used physical or psychological violence against his former partners.
Lila Salet accuses the chief of violence and kidnapping
Another complaint was filed in August 2025 by Lila Salet, a former actress who was in a relationship with Jean Imbert in 2012 and 2013. She accuses him of domestic violence, coercion, and false imprisonment. Lila Salet describes repeated slaps, insults, humiliations, and a gradual control of her movements and personal relationships. She claims, in particular, to have been locked in a hotel room in Florence, Italy, for several hours after an argument about her cell phone. She says she was hit, scratched, sprayed with champagne, and prevented from leaving the room. She also accuses Jean Imbert of forcibly entering her Paris apartment in 2013 after damaging the doors. The police were called, and an initial complaint was filed. Lila Salet later withdrew it before taking legal action again more than 10 years after the events. An investigation for domestic violence was opened on August 27, 2025. Jean Imbert's lawyers contested Lila Salet's accusations, arguing that her account was contradicted by several pieces of material evidence and testimonies.
Four former partners have accused Jean Imbert
In total, four former partners of Jean Imbert have publicly reported psychological or physical abuse. Not all have revealed their identities, but three complaints have now been filed against the chef. The testimonies cover different relationships and different time periods. The women involved describe insults, controlling behavior, slaps, threats, humiliation, and several episodes of physical violence. Jean Imbert has always denied being violent towards his former partners. His lawyers denounce the accounts as incomplete or inaccurate and claim to have evidence to refute the accusations.
The chef had announced his withdrawal from his establishments
After the first investigation was opened in August 2025, Jean Imbert announced his temporary withdrawal from his establishments, stating that he wanted to let the justice system do its work. His professional situation subsequently deteriorated. In April 2026, the Plaza Athénée announced that he was no longer in charge of the kitchens of the Parisian palace. Jean Imbert had taken over the restaurant in 2021, after winning season 3 of Top chef in 2012. The institution had, however, specified that he retained the position of artistic director at that time. The custody order issued on August 3rd should now allow the police to obtain his detailed responses to the three complaints and accusations made by his former partners. The legal proceedings will depend on the content of his interrogation and the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Jean Imbert remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
