'Top Chef' Teamsters Trial: 5 Fast Facts

MILTON, MA – A federal trial involving the alleged physical and verbal harassment of the production company of reality TV competition "Top Chef" is underway. Jury selection began Monday in the trial of four Teamsters who are accused of attempting to extort the show's non-union production company outside of a Milton restaurant in 2014.

The trial is expected to rope in model and "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi, who is alleged to have been one of the targets of the accused's threats.

Here are five quick facts to know about the case as it gets underway.

1. Padma Lakshmi, host of 'Top Chef"

Lakshmi has hosted the Bravo series since its second season. She is an Indian-born American author, model and actress with several cookbooks and TV shows focusing on international cuisine to her name. Court documents allege one of the Teamsters leaned into the minivan she was in and issued threats like "lookie what we have here" and "I'll smash your pretty little face." Lakshmi is expected to testify.

2. John Fidler, Daniel Redmond, Michael Ross, Robert Cafarelli

The four Teamsters accused of extorting the "Top Chef" production company at Steel & Rye in Milton in June of 2014. The men were members of Teamsters Local 25 and have pleaded not guilty to extortion charges. One court filing argues that their picketing of a set location on the Boston-Milton line was to protest against the "abuse" of Massachusetts' film tax credit, according to MassLive. A former co-defendant, Mark Harrington, has pleaded guilty.

3. The Allegations

The Teamsters from Local 25 are accused of using bully tactics in an attempt to extort jobs from the show. These include blocking vehicles from entering the set and bumping them, slashing tires, verbally threatening members of the production crew – including the host – and levying offensive slurs. Prosecutors said Teamsters Local 25 told the show's producers they would picket any event for which union drivers were not hired, the Boston Globe reported.

4. The Jurors

According to the Boston Herald, an emphasis will likely be placed on prospective jurors' ties to and opinions about unions, especially the Teamsters. They are also expected to be queried about past or present city employment and their familiarity with "Top Chef" and Lakshmi.

5. Steel & Rye
The site of the alleged extortion attempt. Steel & Rye opened in 2012 in a converted garage on Eliot Street and has become a critical darling in five short years. The restaurant specializes in Americana cuisine and celebrates the Lower Mills neighborhood's history as a factory town. "Top Chef" was filming a segment at the restaurant in June of 2014.

Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP