the investigation into the alleged hazing of a kitchen assistant at the Hôtel du Palais closed without further action

The hearings conducted by the police did not make it possible to characterize a criminal offense, explains the prosecutor.

The preliminary investigation for “sexual assault and violence” after hazing at the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) last December will be dismissed, France Bleu Pays Basque learned on Monday January 8 from the Bayonne prosecutor . After the publicized episode of the alleged hazing at the end of the contract on one of its clerks in the kitchens of the Hôtel du Palais, the palace then dismissed its starred chef Aurélien Largeau.

On December 28, the Bayonne public prosecutor’s office opened a preliminary investigation on its own initiative into acts of sexual assault and violence. But the courts ultimately decided not to initiate criminal proceedings. After hearings conducted by the Biarritz police officers, the public prosecutor Jérôme Bourrier confirmed Monday to France Bleu Pays Basque that he will close the case without further action, as no criminal offense could be characterized.

A naked and tied employee, a sacked boss

The chef of the brigade, Aurélien Laurgeau, had won a Michelin star for the palace restaurant. On the morning of Saturday, December 2, around thirty people were around the stoves of the Rotonde restaurant. In front of members of the brigade and in the presence of chef Aurélien Largeau, Lucas, young demi-chef de partie for sauces and garnishes, was photographed tied up and almost naked on a stool, with his pants on his ankles and a red ball in the mouth. A “little joke between friends”Lucas had specified.

On December 21, the management of the establishment decided to part ways with its leader. In a press release, the American group Hyatt declared that “this incident does not reflect the values ​​that we all defend, an investigation was carried out and the appropriate decisions were made. The safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, our customers and our partners are our priorities absolute”. The chef targeted by these accusations reacted in writing to France Bleu Pays Basque. “I would like to formally deny the allegations made against me by several media outlets and to affirm that the facts reported in no way reflect reality”had argued Aurélien Largeau.