Mario Batali Leaves ‘The Chew’ Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Chef Apologizes For Behavior

Mario Batali, an accomplished chef known for co-hosting ABC’s The Chew, announced on Monday that he is stepping down from his businesses. This announcement follows allegations from four women claiming Batali had sexually harassed them.

MARIO BATALI LEAVES HIS BUSINESSES FOLLOWING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS

Four women came forward to the website Eater to accuse Batali of misconduct – three worked with Batali at some point during their professions. All four women cited their personal accounts of when Batali touched them. One woman detailed how he groped her chest at a party after she accidentally spilt wine on herself. “Let me help you with that,” he said, causing her to step back and walk away “in utter disgust.”

A spokesperson for the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, the company that helps manage some of Batali’s restaurants, admitted a complaint was filed against him back in October of this year. In a response to Batali’s alleged inappropriate actions, they will now “enlist an independent, outside corporate investigations firm for any staffers wishing to make claims against owners of the restaurants.”

ABC immediately reacted to the news, asking its chef to discontinue his co-hosting duties on The Chew while they review the allegations. Batali has been a co-host on the program since 2011. However, Batali will continue to be an owner of his restaurants according to Batali & Bastianich.

Batali, although unaware of who these specific women are, admits their accounts “match up” with his behavior. He told Eater in a statement how he’s taking “full responsibly” for his actions. He offered his apologies for “any pain, humiliation or discomfort” he caused, closing by expressing his desire to recover people’s “respect and trust.”