NEW YORK — A former personal chef for filmmaker Woody Allen has initiated a lawsuit asserting that he was dismissed from his position due to his service in the U.S. Army Reserves and issues related to his pay. The complaint alleges that Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, exacerbated the situation by expressing their dissatisfaction with his cooking skills, which the chef claims was an unjustification for his termination.
The chef, Hermie Fajardo, filed the civil suit on Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, claiming that Allen and Previn decided a military veteran who sought fair compensation was not suitable for their household. Fajardo was brought on as their full-time chef in June 2024 with an agreed annual salary of $85,000, a decision made with the understanding that he would require time off for military training. However, he contends he was let go shortly after returning from a training session that exceeded its anticipated duration by one day.
Upon his return to work, Fajardo claims he was met with hostility and resentment from both Allen and Previn. In his complaint, he states that he had been raising worries about his compensation, including allegations of improper tax withholdings, a lack of paystubs, and claims of being underpaid by $300.
The lawsuit accuses Allen, Previn, and their home manager Pamela Steigmeyer of contravening the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act as well as violations of New York labor laws. Fajardo alleges that their actions led to humiliation, emotional stress, and financial loss.
Representatives for Allen have yet to comment on the allegations outlined in the lawsuit. In his filing, Fajardo recalls being hired after receiving commendations for a meal he prepared, which included roasted chicken, pasta, chocolate cake, and apple pie. He asserts that it was only after Previn terminated his employment and he sought legal representation that he was informed his culinary skills were inadequate, a claim he firmly disputes.
