Tag: swatting

“MasterChef” Star Gordon Ramsey’s Bel Air Home Swatted

May 4, 2025 ·

"MasterChef" star Gordon Ramsey had his Bel Air home swatted recently. Photo courtesy of Jason Leung.

BEL AIR—The home of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, 58, was the victim of a swatting incident in Bel Air on April 22, TMZ first reported. The incident was reported by the Los Angeles Police Department after 8 p.m. after they received a call of an individual opening fire at the property. According to reports, Ramsey was not home at the time of the incident.

Officers arrived on the scene and found no such incident and spoke to neighbors who confirmed no shots had been fired. A swatting incident is when someone calls authorities to report a fake crime that results in a response from the police department to investigate.

In the past celebrities like, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Rihanna have been targeted. Singer Rihanna had her Pacific Palisades home the target of a swatting incident in 2013, after authorities received a call about two armed men shotting someone inside the Fenty Beauty’s creator’s property.

Gordon Ramsey is a prominent British chef who grew to fame in America with his reality competition series, “Hell’s Kitchen.” The series has spawned spin-offs, “Kitchen Nightmares,” “MasterChef,” “MasterChef Junior,” and “Next Level Chef.” He has earned three Michelin stars for his culinary work. He is married to Tana Hutcheson, whom he shares 6 children with.

Some of his famed restaurants include: “Hell’s Kitchen” which was launched in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in London, England, The Fat Cow in Los Angeles, California, Savoy Gril in London, as well as Union Street Cafe.

By Danny Jones

Bomb Threat At Santa Monica Pier

February 7, 2024 ·

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, February 6, the Santa Monica Pier was evacuated by the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) after reportedly receiving a bomb threat via email.

SMPD posted a warning to the public on their X and Facebook pages promising the public an update when more information is available.

“Attention; for your safety, please avoid the Pier area until further notice. Law enforcement is currently investigating a bomb threat. Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring the safety of everyone in the vicinity.

Please remain vigilant and adhere to any instructions provided by authorities. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding during this situation. Stay safe and stay clear of the Pier until the all-clear is given. Thank you.”

SMPD sent out an SMPD Alert to update the public after determining the Pier was safe.

“Santa Monica Police activity at Pier has ended. The Pier is open to the public. Resume normal activity.”

Bomb threats and what is now referred to as swatting incidents has caused a heavier police presence nationwide.

Swatting refers to a harassment technique most often perpetrated by members of the online gaming community, or cyber activity. Swatting generates an emergency law enforcement response under false pretenses and is illegal.

While some may believe that the threat is only a prank or a hoax, swatting is a federal offense punishable by up to five years prison time.

By Sharon