Justin Sutherland, who was arrested June 28 for threatening to murder his partner in Minnesota, continues to suffer as the fallout continues from this arrest.
On Friday, a nonprofit in St. Paul announced it has ended its partnership with Sutherland to develop new concepts for Golden Thyme Coffee and Cafe that it acquired when its former owners retired.
Early this month, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine and Sutherland ended their longstanding partnership. From 2018 until now they collaborated to host an annual barbecue festival called Smoke Out.
Sutherland has made his mark judging on both “Top Chef” and “Chopped,” competing on Iron Chef America and Tournament of Champions and hosting series like Fast Foodies or Tasting Culture with Justin Sutherland.
According to court documents, Sutherland was arrested and charged with one felony count of threats of violence with reckless disregard after responding to a 911 call alleging he was holding a woman at gunpoint.
Police arrived and found Sutherland leaving his address, refusing to turn around or place his hands behind his head when asked. Sutherland then allegedly shouted in response that they should kill him:
Sutherland’s girlfriend reported the incident began when they began an argument about going to a music festival, then while calling her sister Sutherland “placed both hands around her neck, applying pressure, while telling her, ‘I want you dead’.” She stated they were both still breathing during this exchange which only lasted seconds.
Sutherland then took her phone away, breaking it in her hands before telling her not to come back or else “I will shoot you”. When she went back outside she saw that Sutherland brandished his gun with warning: if she returned he threatened with shooting her.
He allegedly pointed his gun directly at her before using the weapon to hit her in the chest with it.
Sutherland released a statement after being arrested, offering his sincerest apology while maintaining his innocence of any criminal allegations: “Over the weekend I found myself arrested for charges related to drugs or violent offenses; for which I feel deeply guilty; however I wish only for everyone’s wellbeing; hence my sincerest apologies go out to family, friends and fans,” according to Sutherland.
“I am innocent of these charges and intend on using the legal system to prove my innocence. However, this incident has made it apparent to me that professional help needs to be sought urgently in order to make significant improvements in my life.”
“I am committed to seeking treatment and making amends for any behavior caused by mine. Once more, please accept my sincerest apologies for anything related to my behavior and thank you all for being supportive during this difficult period of waiting for truth to surface and help prove my innocence.”
Sutherland was released on his own recognizance without bail and is said to be entering into treatment center for substance use issues.
Last year, Sutherland earned himself the Daytime Emmy Award for Culinary Host with “Taste the Culture.” In doing so he bested Guy Fieri, Ina Garten and Emeril Lagasse to take home this honor.
