Hell’s Kitchen Season 11 Winner Ja’Nel Witt Failed Drug Test, Unable to Accept Head Chef Position
August 24, 2013 by Mike Siegel
What’s worse? Being eliminated on a reality television show competition or winning said show and not being able to reap the benefits of winning? Hell’s Kitchen’s recent winner Ja’Nel Witt would most likely say the latter.
According to TMZ, the 31-year-old chef from Houston originally took to Twitter to announce that she will not be accepting the grand prize of Hell’s Kitchen, the head chef position at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant in Las Vegas, “due to personal matters.”
I would like to express my sincerest thanks to HELL’S KITCHEN,Gordon Ramsay,Caesars Palace & my supportive fans for this amazing experience.
— Ja’Nel Witt (@JaNelHK11) August 23, 2013
Due to personal matters, I will not be joining the team in Las Vegas, but I wish them continued success.
— Ja’Nel Witt (@JaNelHK11) August 23, 2013
This has been an incredible journey. I am thankful for everyone who made it possible and I am looking forward to my next cooking chapter.
— Ja’Nel Witt (@JaNelHK11) August 23, 2013
Thank you for the kind words, and the rumors are very entertaining, but I won’t address the negativity or ridiculous headlines #celebstatus
— Ja’Nel Witt (@JaNelHK11) August 23, 2013
However, TMZ learned Friday night that Witt did not choose to turn down the offer, but rather that she was forced to do so due to failing a recent drug test. Specifically, she tested positive for cocaine use. Dun, dun, dun.
Sources confided to TMZ that Caesar’s Palace, the casino which hosts Ramsay’s restaurant employing Witt as new head chef, demanded her to take a drug test before beginning her position at Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill. Not a shocker, as most high up positions in today’s society require employees to consent to taking a drug test. Clearly, Witt didn’t think of this in advance, as she “failed miserably,” a source told TMZ. What a waste of good talent.
Although Witt will not be going on to work as a head chef at Ramsay’s restaurant, she will still receive the $250,000 salary that the position would have warranted her, according to TMZ. Hey, at least she got paid.
You know what they say. If you can’t take the heat, or detox, get out of the kitchen.
