Celebrity chef, Mario Batali, is the latest name to be put on the list for sexual harassment allegations.
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On Monday, Batali was removed from his job as co-host for the well-known cooking show, #TheChew, amid several allegations that allegedly occurred over a 20-year period. For the time being, an ABC spokesperson asked Batali to step down as they investigate the allegations.
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Four women have accused Batali of inappropriate behavior while working for him or encountering him at industry events. The women all say they experienced similar incidents, such as Batali groping their chests, rubbing against their bottoms and pressing his body against theirs.
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“We have asked Mario Batali to step away from ‘The Chew’ while we review the allegations that have just recently come to our attention,” the ABC spokesperson said in a statement. “ABC takes matters like this very seriously as we are committed to a safe work environment. While we are unaware of any type of inappropriate behavior involving him and anyone affiliated with the show, we will swiftly address any alleged violations of our standards of conduct.”
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The first formal complaint about Batali’s misconduct came from an employee back in October. It resulted in an apology from Batali, as well as enforced training for the chef. Batali released a statement saying even though he doesn’t know the names of the victims, their stories however, do match with his conduct.
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“I apologize to the people I have mistreated and hurt. Although the identities of most of the individuals mentioned in these stories have not been revealed to me, much of the behavior described does, in fact, match up with ways I have acted.”
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Batali’s Food Network show, “Molto Mario,” will also be put on hold until the allegations are cleared. Batali also co-owns a restaurant management company for which he says he will step down from until he recovers the “respect and trust” of his business partners, employees and fans.
