Jury Finds Michelin-Starred Chef Defamed Former Employee, Owes Him $4.5 Million: Report

CHICAGO — A former employee of Chicago’s Michelin-starred chef Ryan McCaskey was reportedly awarded $4.5 million by a Cook County jury, which found McCaskey had defamed his staffer via an online harassment campaign.

Cody Nason, who worked as a service captain at McCaskey’s acclaimed South Loop restaurant Acadia, sued the chef for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and tortious interference with a contract.

The lawsuit accused McCaskey of creating fake social media accounts and a website that falsely labeled Nason as a pedophile and rapist, leading to the loss of his job and significant personal distress.

Following a jury trial, the verdict awarding Nason millions in damages was entered in Cook County Circuit Court on Sept. 20, Crain's Chicago Business reported.

“The weapons used in this case were all digital,” Nason’s attorney, Daliah Saper, told Crain's after the verdict. “The damages here all stem from conduct online. The harassment was the result of fake emails, fake Instagram accounts and a fake website.”

Nason’s complaint detailed how McCaskey, angered by Nason's tip about Acadia’s work environment to an Instagram account documenting abuse and racism in Chicago’s restaurant industry, launched an online campaign that targeted his former employee.

According to the lawsuit, McCaskey or someone acting on his behalf posted defamatory claims on platforms including Instagram and Yelp, accusing Nason of rape and molesting young boys.

In one instance, an Instagram account allegedly tied to McCaskey posted comments such as “Nason raped me in the restroom” and “I heard he molested young boys.”

A website, created under the URL “CodyNason.com,” also included these accusations, as well as Nason’s contact information. The website's content, Nason alleged, led to his suspension and eventual termination from his job.

McCaskey, who ran Acadia at 1639 S. Wabash Ave. until it closed during the pandemic, has denied responsibility for the posts.

“He has always maintained he was not liable for posting any defamatory content whatsoever and has never done so,” McCaskey’s attorney, Roger Malavia, told Crain's following the trial. “Mr. McCaskey is not accepting the jury's decision and will continue to maintain his innocence throughout the appeals process until he is vindicated and his reputation is restored.”

McCaskey shuttered Acadia in July 2020, shortly after the Chicago Tribune published a story detailing allegations of a toxic work culture at the restaurant, including claims of sexual misconduct and harassment by McCaskey.

The restaurant, which earned two Michelin stars under McCaskey’s leadership, never reopened and he has moved to Maine, where he operates another restaurant.