Gordon Ramsay victim of dangerous prank as police called to his LA home over ‘shooting’ call
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has become the latest victim of a “swatting” incident after police rushed to his Los Angeles home following a hoax emergency call.
The Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the 58-year-old’s Bel Air mansion on Tuesday evening after receiving a disturbing call claiming there was a gunman at the property.
Officers arrived at approximately 8.40pm on Tuesday, April 22, to investigate reports of a shooting at the Kitchen Nightmares host’s residence.
Upon arrival, police discovered the call was false, with no signs of any disturbance at the property.
Neighbours confirmed to police that nothing unusual had occurred at the house, according to TMZ.
The interior and exterior of Ramsay’s mansion remained undisturbed, despite the caller’s claims of a gunman opening fire.
The LAPD has launched an investigation into the false report, though no arrests have been made thus far.
This incident appears to be another case of celebrity “swatting” – a dangerous prank where emergency services are deliberately sent to an address under false pretences.
The hoax call was made at approximately 8:40pm, with police quickly determining it was a malicious false alarm.
“Swatting” has become an increasingly common form of harassment, particularly targeting celebrities in Southern California.
The prank involves making a false emergency call to authorities, designed to trigger a rapid and forceful response from police or SWAT teams.
While Ramsay’s incident ended without harm, swatting has led to tragic consequences in some cases.
In 2017, an innocent Kansas man was fatally shot by responding police officers during a swatting incident.
In another case in 2020, a Tennessee man suffered a fatal heart attack when police surrounded his home following a hoax call.
The practice poses serious risks to victims and emergency responders alike.
Ramsay joins a growing list of high-profile figures who have been targeted by swatting incidents.
Just two weeks ago, rapper Nicki Minaj’s home was subjected to a similar hoax.
Jennifer Aniston was targeted in September 2024, whilst action star Arnold Schwarzenegger faced a swatting incident on Thanksgiving Day last year.
Other celebrities who have fallen victim to this type of prank include Justin Bieber.
The problem has become so persistent for some public figures that streaming star Kai Cenat arranged a special protocol with local police in November 2024.
After being repeatedly swatted, Cenat worked out an agreement where authorities would call him first before responding to emergency reports at his residence.
Ramsay was not at home during the incident, according to reports.
The chef had been active on social media the same day, posting a promotion for his guest judging appearance on Masterchef Australia.
Representatives for Ramsay have not yet commented on the incident.