American Express and hospitality startup Blackbird have yanked their blocks of tickets and sponsorship support from Noma’s sold-out Los Angeles residency, just days after a New York Times report alleged that Chef René Redzepi physically and psychologically abused former employees. The move strips two high-profile partners from the $1,500-a-head series, which is slated to open in Silver Lake this week, and leaves organizers and ticketed diners sorting through refunds, donations, and a fast-growing public backlash.
According to The New York Times, American Express and Blackbird announced Monday that they would pull out of the 16-week run and issue refunds, donating any proceeds already collected to organizations that support restaurant workers. Both companies had purchased blocks of seats for members and cardholders, the Times reported, a perk that was supposed to make the ultra-pricey pop-up feel slightly more attainable for select diners. Instead, the exit has poured fuel on an already heated conversation about accountability and who really benefits from the very top of fine dining.
Noma's apology and the residency schedule
Noma has said it will move forward with the Los Angeles residency while acknowledging past failings and publishing an apology from Redzepi, who wrote that he was "deeply sorry" to people hurt under his leadership. Coverage in the Los Angeles Times detailed the restaurant's statement and the chef's post, while Noma's official Noma LA press page lays out residency dates, pricing, listed partners, and community programming. Those materials also describe plans for industry training and a small revenue share that is supposed to support local food initiatives.
How the allegations spread
The uproar traces back to a New York Times investigation that spoke with dozens of former Noma employees and compiled accounts of physical assaults and public humiliation over several years. As reported by The New York Times, past staffers, along with posts amplified by former fermentation head Jason Ignacio White, said incidents occurred roughly between 2009 and 2017. Noma and Redzepi have responded that the stories reflect earlier behavior and that changes have since been made to employment practices.
Tickets, refunds, and planned protests
Bookings for the residency were handled through Tock, with certain special nights routed through Resy and the Blackbird Club, and many reservations required full prepayment. Those nuts-and-bolts details will determine how quickly and by whom refunds are processed. The Noma LA press page outlines booking rules and cancellation windows, while the Los Angeles Times reported that Jason Ignacio White and worker-advocacy group One Fair Wage planned a protest at the opening to push for industry reforms. Diners who scored tickets have told reporters they are closely watching communications from partners about how refunds and donations are handled.
What this means for L.A.'s dining scene
In Los Angeles, where many operators say thin margins and intense labor debates are already part of daily life, the Noma situation has sharpened long-running questions about accountability, access, and who can realistically afford the city's most coveted tables. The steep $1,500 price tag and the outsized role of corporate partners were already magnets for criticism in coverage from outlets such as Bon Appétit, which described how the residency was pitched as pairing sky-high ticket prices with community-focused programming. Whether the corporate withdrawals lead to lasting changes will hinge on future reporting, public pressure, and how organizers and partners actually follow through on refunds and promised donations.
For now, the core points are straightforward: a New York Times investigation triggered the sponsor exits, Noma has issued an apology and still plans to open in Silver Lake, and both ticketed diners and worker-advocacy groups are watching closely to see how the money and the accountability play out. This story is still developing, and further statements or actions from sponsors, Noma, or worker groups could shift how the residency and its fallout are ultimately judged.
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