Justin Sutherland, Celebrity Chef, Reportedly Threatened Girlfriend With A Gun

Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland has found himself in hot water.

It seems he's facing some serious legal heat after allegedly having a run-in with the law involving his girlfriend and some pretty intense accusations.

On Friday, June 28, Justin Sutherland was arrested, and on Monday, July 1, the 40-year-old was charged with one count of felony threats of violence - reckless disregard risk.

According to a statement of probable cause obtained by People Magazine, ninety minutes before the reported incident, the woman dialed 911, alleging her boyfriend had choked her and was attempting to evict her from the apartment.

The victim reportedly informed the police that Sutherland aimed a gun at her, striking her chest with it while warning, "Don't come back here or I am going to shoot you.”

The complaint further states that the woman told police that Sutherland placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure for about five to six seconds, telling her, "I could kill you," She alleged that he later struck her with a gun.

The statement says she didn't mention Sutherland by name at the time "because she did not want to get anyone in trouble," just that the two "had a disagreement about something stupid."

No arrests were made at that time.

On Friday, police arrested the celebrity chef. Sutherland's attorney, John Daly, told People the complaint “is riddled with falsehoods."

“Mr. Sutherland vehemently denies all the allegations in the complaint,” Daly told the outlet. “He never threatened to shoot anyone. He did not physically assault his girlfriend. He looks forward to the truth coming out as the court process unfolds.”

When asked what caused the altercation, he responded, “The relationship was coming to an end.”

Earlier this year, Mpls. St.Paul Magazine reported that Sutherland left St. Paul’s Handsome Hog, the Southern-style restaurant he helped open in 2016.

“We’ve been trying to find a way to make it work for everybody, but as we look ahead to a fresh new year, it’s clear to me that it’s time to make a fresh start,” he told the magazine at the time. “I’m so proud of what we created with that place, the commitment to food that feeds your soul, and making a space where people in the Black community feel welcomed."

Justin Sutherland is not just any chef—he's a nationally recognized culinary sensation and savvy entrepreneur. He is known for co-hosting the hit show "Fast Foodies" on TruTV, and as an executive producer and host of "Taste the Culture" on TruTV/HBO Max.

He's also a seasoned judge on a slew of Food Network favorites like "Guy’s Grocery Games," "Beat Bobby Flay," and "Chopped," among others. This Food Network "Iron Chef "champ and "Top Chef: Kentucky" finalist's resume doesn't stop there—he's competed on "Tournament of Champions" season 2 and "First We Feast," and contributes to"Relish."

Sutherland's culinary skills have graced the sets of top TV shows like "Good Morning America," "Tamron Hall," "Rachael Ray," and the "Drew Barrymore Show." And if that wasn't enough, he dropped his mouthwatering cookbook, "Northern Soul," in September 2022.

Justin Sutherland is not just a chef with a passion for food—he's a dedicated advocate for social justice.

As the co-owner of Hybrid Nation, a hip streetwear and lifestyle brand, he champions diversity and social equality. In the Twin Cities, the 40-year-old rolls up his sleeves for philanthropy, leading efforts like The North Stands and MN Central Kitchen to support hospitality workers hit hard by the pandemic.

He's also Vice-Chair of the Leadership Garden, a non-profit nurturing community leaders. Plus, the chef's heart extends to the Craftmade Aprons Project Black & Blue, offering crucial aid to restaurant industry folks facing tough times.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.