Jean Imbert, one of France's most prominent chefs, was arrested by Paris police after three former partners filed complaints accusing him of domestic violence. Imbert, 45, had been invited to a police station for questioning, where his lawyers say he arrived with a substantial file of evidence supporting his version of events. Despite his cooperation and denial of all allegations, he was detained following the interview.

The case first gained public attention more than a year ago when the French magazine Elle published anonymous testimonies from four women who said they had been in relationships with Imbert. The accounts described a consistent pattern of behaviour: belittling, controlling conduct, extreme jealousy, and psychological manipulation.