Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland is still in hot water after being arrested in Minnesota on June 28 for threatening to kill his girlfriend.
The St. Paul nonprofit announced Friday that it was dissolving its partnership with Sutherland to develop a new concept for Golden Time Coffee & Cafe, which the group’s trust acquired when the cafe’s owner retired.
This comes after the end of a partnership between Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine and Sutherland, who had worked together since 2018 on an annual barbecue festival called “Smoke Out.”
Sutherland’s resume includes stints as a judge on the television shows Top Chef and Chopped, competing on Iron Chef America and Tournament of Champions, and hosting the series Fast Foodies and Taste the Culture with Justin Sutherland.
Sutherland was arrested and charged with felony threatening violence with reckless disregard after police were dispatched to a report of a man pointing a gun at a woman, according to court documents.
Police arrived and found Sutherland coming out of the address. When he was instructed to turn around and put his hands behind his head, Sutherland replied, “Call 911.” [you’re] “Are you trying to arrest me?” “You should just kill me.”
Sutherland’s boyfriend told police the incident began as an argument over attending a music festival. She claims she called her sister, and while she was speaking with her sister, Sutherland “put his hands around her neck, squeezed her and said, ‘I hope you die.'” She was able to breathe, and the exchange lasted only a few seconds.
Sheff allegedly took her cell phone and destroyed it. She then went to a neighbor to get it back, but Sutherland brandished a black handgun at her. He allegedly told her, “Don’t come back here or I’ll shoot you.”
The suspect allegedly pointed a gun at her and then struck her in the chest with the weapon.
Sutherland released a statement after his arrest, apologizing for the incident but maintaining his innocence. “Over the weekend I found myself in a situation where I was detained and accused of a criminal offence. I deeply regret having been in this situation and for the pain and anguish it has caused those around me. I offer my sincere apologies to my family, friends and fans,” he said.
“I am innocent of these charges and look forward to using the justice system to prove my innocence. However, this incident has highlighted the need for me to seek professional help and make significant changes to my life.”
“I am committed to making amends and undergoing treatment. Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone affected by my actions. I thank you all for your support and understanding during this difficult time as we wait until the truth comes out and my innocence is further proven.”
Sutherland was held without bail and is reportedly in a treatment center.
Last year, Sutherland won a Daytime Emmy for best cooking host for his work on “Taste the Culture.” He beat out Guy Fieri, Ina Garten and Emeril Lagasse.
