31-year-old Aurelian Largeau, who ran the high-end restaurant in the prestigious Hotel du Palais in Biarritz, southwestern France, owned by Hyatt, subsequently resigned. A spokesman for Hyatt told AFP that management had obtained footage that had been shared online of the "troubling incident" which has since been removed from the internet.
French news outlet Sud Ouest reported the situation happened "under the authority, and in the presence of, chef Aurelien Largeau."
Hyatt said in a statement: "The Management Team at Hôtel du Palais has concluded an investigation that was launched immediately following concerning allegations and imagery regarding an incident in the premises of the hotel.
"The incident did not reflect the strong values we all stand for, and the appropriate decisions have now been taken.
"The security, wellness and wellbeing of our colleagues, guests and partners are always our utmost priorities. Due to our company policy and to respect the privacy of everyone involved we cannot comment any further."
Hazing is banned under French law but is reported to still take place in restaurants as a "a test of whether junior staff can handle the pressures of the job."
Campaigns have been launched to end the violence and hostility seen in the cooking industry in recent years including "Hands off my Kitchen Hand" and "Respect your Kitchen."
