Nusrat Gokce (Salt Bae): The Rise, Fall, and Controversies of the World’s Most Famous Chef
Controversies and Ethical Scandals
Allegations of Employee Abuse and Toxic Work Environment
Despite his success, former employees have painted a grim picture of working conditions at Nusrat Gokce’s restaurants. Reports describe a strict, hostile, and often abusive environment, with allegations including:
- Unreasonable demands, such as foot massages for female staff
- Firing employees on the spot for minor mistakes
- Unpaid overtime and illegal deductions from tips
- Harassment and discrimination, particularly targeting female employees
A former employee told the Daily Mail:
“Everything was very strict. We were charged for drinking water, and even going to the bathroom had to be done in a few minutes. The environment was hostile and intimidating.”
Ethical Controversies: Serving Politicians During Venezuela Crisis
In 2018, Nusrat Gokce served steaks to Nicolás Maduro and his wife at his Istanbul restaurant amid Venezuela’s economic crisis. The video footage sparked outrage, as millions of Venezuelans struggled for basic necessities. Critics accused Nusrat of publicity stunts and unethical behavior, exploiting luxury and excess during times of hardship.
Lawsuits and Legal Challenges
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Gokce by former employees alleging harassment, discrimination, and labor violations. One notable case involved Elizabeth Cruz, a bartender from the Dominican Republic, who sued in 2019 for sexual harassment and discrimination, claiming Nusrat’s management asked her to wear revealing clothes and subjected her to humiliation.
The Diddy Friendship and Systematic Harassment Allegations
Nusrat’s association with American rapper Diddy (Sean Combs) was widely publicized, with the duo seen at parties and events. However, this friendship later revealed darker secrets when a high-profile case was filed by Diddy’s ex-fiancée, Cassie Ventura, alleging systematic harassment and abuse.
In 2025, a US court sentenced Diddy to four years in prison and fined him $500,000 for hosting lewd parties and exploiting women. The case revealed disturbing details, including videos of unconscious women at parties attended by celebrities, including Nusrat Gokce.
The Qatar World Cup Incident
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar, Nusrat Gokce caused a media frenzy by illegally entering the pitch—a privilege reserved for players, officials, and dignitaries. He was seen interacting with Argentine players, including Lionel Messi, touching the trophy, and attempting selfies. The incident prompted FIFA to investigate security breaches and resulted in widespread social media backlash.
October 21, 2025 | 5:58 pm
