Alfons Schuhbeck speaks publicly for the first time after his conviction
German celebrity chef Alfons Schuhbeck has appeared publicly for the first time since his latest conviction. As reports NewsToday24, citing T-Online, the 76-year-old addressed the guests of the Munich event Hullis via a recorded video message. The appearance took place during the opening of the new Spiegelzelt “Hullis” in the Riem district of Munich.
On the video screen, Schuhbeck appeared in a light blue shirt standing in front of a wood-paneled wall, speaking in a noticeably emotional tone. He told the guests he could not attend “for understandable reasons” but wanted to wish the organizers and visitors a wonderful evening. “These are fantastic people — they know exactly what they’re doing! Let’s not waste time — let’s get started! I wish you all a wonderful evening,” said the former Michelin-starred chef. The 73-second clip was received with applause and visible sympathy from the audience.
Court ruling and prison sentence
In July 2025, the Munich I Regional Court (Landgericht München I) sentenced Schuhbeck to four years and three months in prison for intentional bankruptcy delay, fraud, and insolvency-related offenses. The judges also took into account his previous conviction for tax evasion, for which he had already served 21 months in prison.
Currently, Schuhbeck remains at liberty due to his ongoing cancer treatment. According to public prosecutor Juliana Grotz, the authorities are reviewing how his medical therapy could continue if he were to begin serving his sentence. Given his state of health, the celebrity chef is being treated outside of prison until further notice.
Symbolic presence and support from colleagues
As reported by tz.de, the organizers of Hullis have maintained personal contact with Schuhbeck throughout his legal troubles. On the menu for the opening dinner was a soufflé made from Kaiserschmarrn ice cream — a symbolic dessert paying homage to Schuhbeck, whose sweet creations once achieved cult status in German haute cuisine.
A fallen icon of German gastronomy
For decades, Alfons Schuhbeck was one of Germany’s most famous chefs, known from numerous TV shows, bestselling cookbooks, and his long-standing culinary partnership with FC Bayern Munich. His restaurants near Munich’s Platzl were once a meeting place for celebrities and politicians alike.
His short reappearance — though only digital — marks his first public statement since the beginning of the court proceedings. Despite his legal downfall, Schuhbeck’s message suggests a continued emotional connection to the Munich hospitality scene and to the people who once celebrated him as a national culinary icon.
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