Jean Imbert in police custody over allegations of domestic violence

Paris – 04.08.2026: French chef Jean Imbert was taken into police custody on Monday, August 3, on suspicion of domestic violence. Franceinfo reported this. The investigation concerns allegations made by three former partners, including Alexandra Rosenfeld, a former Miss France and Imbert’s former partner. Police custody is intended for questioning a suspect and constitutes neither a charge nor proof of criminal guilt.

The publicly known allegations go back several years. Rosenfeld filed a complaint in February 2026 and accused Imbert of physical and psychological violence during their relationship in a report by the France 2 program “Complément d’enquête”. Among other things, she described an alleged assault during filming in 2013. Her account is part of the investigation and has not yet been established in court.

As early as August 2025, the Versailles public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into violence against a former partner following a complaint by actress Lila Salet. Salet’s allegations relate to the years 2012 and 2013. Further accusations by former partners later became public. Investigators must now determine which statements and evidence can be substantiated under criminal law.

After the first allegations became known in the summer of 2025, Imbert temporarily withdrew from his professional duties. His lawyers at the time rejected what they viewed as a one-sided portrayal of the relationships. They referred to messages and witness statements that, in their view, provided a more comprehensive picture of the conflicts at the time. No new statement from the defense regarding the reported police custody was initially known.

In French criminal proceedings, “garde à vue” allows investigators to detain and question a suspect under legally regulated conditions. Statements can be compared with existing evidence and possible contradictions can be examined. The justice system then decides on release, further investigative measures or an appearance before the public prosecutor’s office. It was initially unclear what consequences would follow in Imbert’s case.

Born in 1981, Imbert is among France’s best-known chefs. He became widely known in 2012 as the winner of the television program “Top Chef”. He later oversaw prestigious culinary projects, including restaurants at the Plaza Athénée hotel in Paris. His public profile has brought particular attention to the case, but does not alter the standards of the rule of law.

The police custody moves the allegations that have been public since 2025 into a concrete investigative phase. Whether this results in criminal proceedings depends on the assessment of the statements and possible medical, digital or other evidence. Imbert is presumed innocent until a final conviction.