In a new episode of Vice’s Dark Side of Reality TV, former contestants share their stories.
Former contestants from the popular cooking reality show Hell’s Kitchen shared their experiences in a new docuseries, making some serious claims about host Gordon Ramsay’s behavior.
In Vice TV’s Dark Side of Reality TV, which aired an episode about Hell’s Kitchen on Oct. 8, contestants from past seasons, including a few winners, talked about the tough environment they faced on the show.

In an exclusive preview clip shared by People, Elsie Ramos, who finished fourth in the show’s first season in 2005, talked about the tense atmosphere, saying, “Everyone was scared. Let’s just say it that way,” and she called Ramsay a “fiery bully.”
See More: Over 80% of Restaurants That Appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares Have Closed
Another former contestant, Tek Moore, compared Ramsay’s behavior to that of other chefs, stating,
Chefs know how to really tear people down with their words.

Michael Wray, who won the first season, shared a similar view, saying that contestants with little kitchen experience “took it personally.” He also remembered Ramsay telling him,
You never tell your employees they’re doing a good job. The moment you do, they stop trying.
Another winner, Ariel Malone, viewed Ramsay’s intense attitude as helpful. In the docuseries, she explained,
When you’re in karate class, is your sensei a bully or your teacher? It’s the same thing.

The 23rd season of Hell’s Kitchen just started, and some fans think Ramsay has become nicer over the years. In response to a new clip of the celebrity chef criticizing a contestant’s cooked salmon, one fan commented,
“These contestants are lucky to have 2024 Gordon. 2014 Gordon would not have been so nice, lol!”
“Haha, 2005 Gordon would have eaten them alive!”
Another person joked in the comments,

In a 2009 interview with Bon Appétit, Ramsay talked about the kitchen atmosphere, saying,
When you’re trying to serve a whole restaurant with the quality of food they expect, even the smallest problem can throw everything off.
You don’t need to share with the customers what it takes to give them a great experience. You just keep working, and the pressure keeps growing.
he said in conclusion
Ramsay has not publicly replied to The Dark Side of Reality TV or the comments from former contestants. Fans can watch the full episode on Vice TV on Oct. 8 at 9 p.m. EST.
Source: People