WEST PALM BEACH, FL — Celebrity chef Jacob Bickelhaupt, known for founding Michelin-starred restaurants including Konro in West Palm Beach and 42 Grams in Chicago, is now facing additional criminal charges following a serious domestic violence arrest.
The 46-year-old was arrested on June 2 by West Palm Beach police for aggravated battery causing bodily harm and domestic battery. According to police, Bickelhaupt allegedly beat a woman for two hours, resulting in a subdural hematoma and a seizure. The woman was hospitalized after collapsing at Palm Beach International Airport, where she was attempting to purchase a ticket to return to her hometown of Denver.
Though the woman initially claimed she’d been in a car accident, medical personnel quickly determined that her injuries — including two black eyes, facial swelling, and bruising on her arms and shoulders — were not consistent with such an event. Hospital staff reported the incident to authorities, triggering the arrest.
On June 7, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office filed three new charges against Bickelhaupt:
Two counts of tampering with a witness, victim, or informant
One count of violating a domestic violence injunction
Despite being under a no-contact order, Bickelhaupt allegedly called the victim twice from jail on June 5, pleading for her help to pay his bail and asking her to contact his public defender to remove the court-ordered restriction.
In voicemails obtained by police, Bickelhaupt said:
“If you haven’t given up on me, please call the public defender… I need a call back with a phone number so we can work this out… I love you.”
A second message reportedly repeated the request for help paying his $90,000 bail, with a payment scheme involving Zelle or Cash App.
Bickelhaupt is represented by public defender Devereaux Stephens, who has not issued a statement regarding the charges.
This is not Bickelhaupt’s first domestic violence incident. In 2017, during his time at 42 Grams, he was previously arrested for assaulting his then-wife and business partner, prompting the restaurant’s closure.
Authorities say he is currently under house arrest with an ankle monitor, and is prohibited from contacting the victim.
The case underscores growing concerns about domestic violence in high-profile circles and raises questions about abuse of power in personal and professional relationships.
