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Chef Gordon Ramsay, the well-known face of Hell’s Kitchen, is the latest celebrity to become a victim of a swatting incident, according to reports. The 58-year-old’s residence in Bel Air, California, was surrounded by police after an individual falsely reported a shooting, prompting a large emergency response to the celebrity’s home. The incident highlights the increasing trend of swatting celebrities and the dangers it poses.
Police Respond to False Report at Gordon Ramsay’s Home
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed they were dispatched to Ramsay’s property at approximately 8:40 PM on Tuesday following a report from an unidentified source, who alleged that a gunman was actively firing shots at the residence.
Upon arrival, officers conducted a thorough search of the premises and found no evidence of a shooting. Neighbors also corroborated that there was no disturbance at the property, according to information shared with TMZ.
What is Swatting?
Swatting involves making a deceptive call to emergency services, with the intention of triggering the dispatch of armed law enforcement, often a SWAT team, to a specific location. These pranks, according to the Associated Press, are designed to cause a large deployment of officers to the location to be swatted.
- Bomb threats share similarities but swatting has gained traction recently, targeting public figures.
- Law enforcement is investigating the incident.
Celebrities Targeted by Swatting
Ramsay joins a growing list of high-profile personalities who have been targeted by swatting incidents over the years. This list includes:
- Cardi B
- Rihanna
- Jennifer Aniston
- Nicki Minaj
- Justin Bieber
- Paris Hilton
- Chris Brown
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
- The Playboy Mansion
Prior Swatting Incidents
Before 2020, other prominent figures like Pharrell, Lil Wayne, Simon Cowell, Tom Cruise, Ashton Kutcher, and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs were also victims of this hazardous hoax.
Theft at Ramsay’s Restaurant
In February, Ramsay disclosed that his Lucky Cat restaurant had experienced a separate crime, with thieves stealing decorative items.
Lucky Cat Thefts
The initial Lucky Cat restaurant premiered in London’s Mayfair in 2019, drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s 1930s kissas and Shanghai drinking dens.”, known for its unique cat figurines, has been a target.
- Nearly 500 cat figurines were pilfered in a single week.
- Ramsay mentioned on The Jonathan Ross Show: “The cats are getting stolen. There were 477 stolen last week – they cost £4.50 each.”
- The total value of the stolen items exceeds £2,000.