Hotel Chef Fired After Asking for a Photo with Axl Rose

A hotel chef in Lima says he has no regrets after being fired for breaking hotel rules, following a chance encounter with his lifelong hero, Axl Rose. According to Bajo Piura Noticias 2.0, Richard Perez Cuzcano was working at a Marriott Hotel when Guns N’ Roses performed at Estadio Nacional earlier this month.

A devoted fan, Cuzcano was excited to cook for the band’s frontman. Taking a rare opportunity, he asked Rose for a photo, which the singer happily agreed to. The chef later shared the picture on social media with lyrics from Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain”, reflecting on the surreal moment.

“How do I explain to my younger self that this will happen in a few years, that one day he’ll become a chef and one night he’ll cook like never before for W. Axl Rose? And that he’ll shake his hand. Was it worth it? It was, it is, and it will continue to be worth it until my last day,” he wrote.

Firing Sparks Debate

Shortly after posting the photo, Cuzcano was dismissed from his job. Marriott reportedly cited a policy prohibiting staff from interacting with guests outside the scope of their official duties.

Cuzcano confirmed the dismissal to Bajo Piura Noticias 2.0:

“I was the chef of the restaurant, I took a picture with Axl Rose himself after cooking for him. Got fired yesterday for breaking that rule.”

Public Outcry

The story quickly gained traction online, with readers defending Cuzcano and criticizing the hotel’s actions. Many described the firing as “excessive and unfair”, arguing that the chef’s encounter with Rose was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Fans and social media users praised Cuzcano for following his dream and capturing a moment that many would consider the highlight of a lifetime. Despite losing his job, the chef insists the memory—and the handshake—was worth every consequence.