Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland, known for his appearances on "Top Chef," is currently embroiled in a legal battle following allegations of threatening behavior towards his girlfriend. The 39-year-old culinary star was arrested in St. Paul, Minn., on Friday and charged with felony threats of violence - reckless disregard risk, as per court documents obtained by Page Six.
According to the victim's account detailed in the criminal complaint, Sutherland reportedly pointed a gun at his girlfriend, striking her in the chest with it, while menacingly warning her, "Don’t come back here or I am going to shoot you." The woman, whose identity remains anonymous due to the nature of the alleged domestic violence, further claimed that Sutherland placed his hands around her neck and squeezed tightly for several seconds.
During the distressing incident, Sutherland allegedly uttered chilling words, stating, "I could kill you," as he tightened his grip around her neck. However, the chef vehemently denied the accusations when questioned by authorities.
John Daly, Sutherland's attorney, refuted the claims made by the woman, asserting that they are "riddled with falsehoods." Daly emphasized that Sutherland denies all allegations and looks forward to the truth emerging as the legal process unfolds. He suggested that the accusations arose as the relationship between Sutherland and his girlfriend was deteriorating.
Despite the legal turmoil, Sutherland remains a prominent figure in the culinary world, with acclaimed restaurants in the Twin Cities such as Handsome Hog, Big E, and Gray Duck Tavern under his belt. The chef had recently announced plans to expand his culinary empire with new restaurant ventures in the area set to launch in the fall.
For individuals experiencing domestic violence, seeking help is crucial. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers support and assistance 24/7 in over 170 languages. If you or someone you know is in need of help, do not hesitate to reach out by calling 1-800-799-7233 or visiting thehotline.org for confidential and toll-free guidance.
