Top Chef Star Justin Sutherland in Hot Water Over Felony Threats of Violence
Justin Sutherland, the culinary sensation from the Twin Cities, is stirring up more than just pots and pans. The TV personality and celebrated chef found himself in a less-than-tasty predicament after being arrested on June 28 in St. Paul and charged on July 1 with felony threats of violence against his girlfriend.
Sutherland, who claims innocence and is “committed to making amends and seeking treatment,” is now out of jail, facing allegations that could turn his career as sour as a forgotten fridge pickle. According to the criminal complaint, Sutherland allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a gun and squeezed her neck, which is definitely not the kind of recipe he’s known for.
When the police arrived, they found his girlfriend "standing in the doorway of the bathroom… visibly shaking and crying," painting a scene more dramatic than any reality TV episode. She recounted that Sutherland “walked up to her, placed both hands around her neck, and applied pressure while telling her, ‘I want you dead.’” Later, things escalated with Sutherland allegedly brandishing a black handgun, threatening, “Don’t come back here or I am going to shoot you.”
In a twist fit for a soap opera, Sutherland's attorney, John Daly, dismissed the claims as "riddled with lies," insisting that the argument "didn’t involve physical violence whatsoever." Daly asserts that Sutherland is looking forward to clearing his name.
Known for his appearances on “Top Chef: Wisconsin” and as the host of “Fast Foodies” on truTV, Sutherland has been a darling of Minnesota’s culinary scene, but this spicy legal saga might just burn his reputation.
Only time will tell if Sutherland can whip up a redemption arc that even his biggest critics can swallow. For now, this chef’s special is one serving of legal trouble, with a side of public scrutiny.