Mario Batali steps away from ‘Chew,’ restaurant empire amid sexual harassment allegations

Mario Batali steps away from 'Chew,' restaurant empire amid sexual harassment allegations
UPI

Dec. 11 (UPI) — Celebrity chef Mario Batali is stepping away from the day-to-day operations of his restaurant empire, as well as his co-hosting position on the lifestyle program The Chew, after sexual harassment allegations against him have come to light.

Four women told Eater New York Batali touched them inappropriately during the past two decades.

Batali, 57, did not deny the allegations when asked to comment on the claims.

“I apologize to the people I have mistreated and hurt,” the cook and author said in a statement. “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. That behavior was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility and am deeply sorry for any pain, humiliation or discomfort I have caused to my peers, employees, customers, friends and family. I have work to do to try to regain the trust of those I have hurt and disappointed. For this reason, I am going to step away from day-to-day operations of my businesses. We built these restaurants so that our guests could have fun and indulge, but I took that too far in my own behavior. I won’t make that mistake again. I want any place I am associated with to feel comfortable and safe for the people who work or dine there.”

USA Today said ABC confirmed it has temporarily removed Batali from The Chew ensemble.

“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 network 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.”

The Chew, which tapes in New York, is now in its seventh season. Batali co-hosted the series with Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Michael Symon since it started. Daphne Oz left the show after six seasons to focus on her growing family.

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