Derek SmithA celebrity chef to the Kardashians is now at the center of a major lawsuit — accused of overworking staff, denying breaks, delaying paychecks, and even offering Adderall to employees too exhausted to keep going. While this story may seem sensational, it highlights a problem faced by countless workers in everyday jobs.
The truth is, these labor violations happen far beyond Hollywood.
If you have ever felt pressured to skip breaks, work off the clock, or accept delayed pay with no explanation, you are not alone — and you may have legal rights.
At Derek Smith Law Group, we have over 30 years of experience fighting for employees across California and the U.S. who have been overworked, underpaid, or mistreated. This article breaks down a high-profile case, the labor laws you need to know, and the steps you can take if your employer is violating your rights.
What Is the Lawsuit Against the Kardashians’ Chef About?
In June 2025, a former chef assistant named Scott Springer filed a lawsuit against Chef K (Khristianne Uy), a private chef widely known for catering events for celebrities including the Kardashians.
Springer’s lawsuit outlines shocking workplace practices:
- 12+ hour shifts with no second meal breaks
- Delayed paychecks — sometimes by weeks or months
- Unpaid overtime and pressure to work off the clock
- Adderall offered instead of rest when employees complained of exhaustion
- No timekeeping or payroll records for hours, breaks, or wages
This legal action, filed under California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), seeks justice not just for Springer but for every employee subjected to these practices.
“We brought this action not only to address these claims but also to empower others to speak up.” — Casey Barkhordarian, Attorney at Derek Smith Law Group LLP
Overworked or Underpaid? 5 Signs Your Employer May Be Breaking the Law
Whether you work in a high-end kitchen or a local restaurant, these red flags should not be ignored. Even if your workplace seems informal or fast-paced, you are still legally entitled to basic rights like fair pay and proper breaks.
Far too often, workers in food service and hospitality are conditioned to believe that abuse is just “part of the job” — but it is not, and the law is on your side.
- Unpaid Overtime: Working more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week without time-and-a-half pay.
- Denied Rest or Meal Breaks: No 30-minute meal break after 5 hours? No second meal break after 10? That’s a violation.
- Off-the-Clock Work: Cleaning, prepping, or working before clocking in or after clocking out.
- Late or Missing Paychecks: California law requires on-time, full payment. Delays are not just frustrating — they’re illegal.
- Unsafe or Coercive Practices: Offering stimulants instead of rest, verbal intimidation, or threats if you speak up.
If any of these sound familiar, you may have a valid legal claim under California wage and hour violations law. For example, you might be told to stay after your shift to clean up — but you’re not allowed to clock back in. Or your manager may pressure you to skip your meal break because the restaurant is busy. These situations are not just unfair — they are illegal under California labor law.
What Are My Rights Under California Labor Law?
Whether you work in a celebrity kitchen or a retail store, these laws apply to you. Many workers are unaware that common practices, such as skipping breaks or receiving flat-rate pay, can be violations of labor law. California offers some of the strongest labor protections in the U.S. Here’s what the law guarantees you:
- Meal and Rest Breaks
- A 30-minute unpaid meal break after 5 hours of work
- A second 30-minute meal break after 10 hours
- Paid 10-minute rest breaks every 4 hours
Employers must not only allow but ensure you take these breaks.
- Overtime Pay
- Time-and-a-half pay after 8 hours in one day or 40 in a week
- Double-time pay for work over 12 hours in a single day
Flat-rate pay that ignores these hours is a wage violation.
- Timely Pay and Record Keeping
- Employees must be paid at least twice a month
- Employers must accurately track hours, breaks, and pay
Not having records, as in the Chef K case, is a red flag.
- A Safe, Drug-Free Work Environment
- No employer can coerce or encourage use of prescription medications to meet work demands
Offering Adderall instead of legal breaks may cross into both labor law and criminal violations.
Do These Labor Violations Happen Outside of Celebrity Workplaces?
Everyday employees in retail, healthcare, warehouses, and restaurants regularly experience illegal practices like skipped breaks, off-the-clock work, and unpaid overtime — all of which are prohibited under California and federal labor law.
It is easy to dismiss this lawsuit as a “Hollywood problem.” But cases like this are disturbingly common in many industries and reflect a larger pattern of wage and hour violations across the country.
Industries where violations often occur:
- Restaurants and Hospitality
- Retail and Grocery Chains
- Healthcare and Nursing Facilities
- Construction and Warehousing
- Tech Startups and Creative Agencies
Why Are Workplace Violations Like These So Common?
- Power imbalance: Employers know many workers fear retaliation or job loss.
- Lack of knowledge: Many employees do not realize they’re protected by state and federal laws.
- Weak enforcement: Without legal pressure, employers often repeat illegal patterns.
Can an Employment Lawyer Help With Wage and Break Violations?
At Derek Smith Law Group, we have over 30 years of experience representing victims of wage theft, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment. Our attorneys offer free, confidential consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
We have recovered millions of dollars for employees across California and beyond. If you believe your rights have been violated, contact our California office today at (310) 602-6050 to speak directly with an experienced employment lawyer who will fight for you.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case Against My Employer?
You may have a legal case against your employer if you have experienced any of the following: wage and hour violations, being denied breaks or overtime pay, working off the clock without compensation, or being wrongfully terminated. Additionally, if you have faced sexual harassment, worked in a toxic or abusive environment, or believe your job conditions qualify as a hostile work environment, speak to a qualified hostile work environment lawyer to understand your rights. Retaliation for speaking up or reporting misconduct is also illegal and can serve as grounds for a retaliation in the workplace claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employee Rights in California
What if I agreed to flat-rate pay for events?
Even if you agreed to a flat rate, your employer must still follow California’s wage and hour laws. If you worked more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, you are legally entitled to overtime pay — regardless of the flat-rate agreement. Flat-rate pay cannot override your right to fair compensation.
Is it legal to skip breaks if I am “too busy”?
No, it is not legal to skip breaks just because the workplace is busy. California labor law requires employers to provide meal and rest breaks regardless of how hectic the schedule is. If your employer fails to allow these breaks, they may owe you additional pay and could be violating the law.
What if I am still employed — can I file a claim?
Yes, you can absolutely file a claim even if you are still employed. California labor laws protect you from retaliation, including being demoted, harassed, or fired for asserting your rights. In fact, addressing issues while still employed may strengthen your case by showing a clear pattern of unlawful treatment.
Can undocumented workers file claims?
Yes, undocumented workers can file claims for wage theft, denied breaks, harassment, and other labor violations. California and federal labor laws protect all employees, regardless of immigration status, and employers cannot legally retaliate against you for asserting your rights. You do not need to prove citizenship to seek unpaid wages or fair treatment.
Ready to Take Action? Contact an Experienced Employment Lawyer Today
If your employer has denied you breaks, delayed your pay, or made you work off the clock, you do not have to accept that treatment. These are serious violations of labor law, and you may be entitled to back pay, penalties, and other legal remedies. We proudly represent Scott Springer in the Chef K lawsuit — and our team at Derek Smith Law Group is ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call (310) 602-6050 today or request your free consultation with an employment attorney. Let us help you protect your rights and take back control of your work life.
