Mario Batali Removed From Ownership Of Restaurant Group Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Celebrity chef Mario Batali has been driven out from his restaurant group, more than a year after several women accused him of sexual harassment and assault.

Batali’s shares in the 16 restaurants he operated under the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, have been bought out by the siblings Tanya Bastianich Manuali and Joe Bastianich.

Batali said in a statement Wednesday, “I have reached an agreement with Joe and no longer have any stake in the restaurants we built together. I wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Manuali will be running the day-to-day operations of the company, which will reconfigure under a new name. [Mr. Batali] “will no longer profit from the restaurants in any way, shape or form,” said Manuali.

Manuali addressed in a letter to employees about Batali’s dismissal from the company.

“Thank you for your dedication to your craft and colleagues through a challenging year. The restaurants have been remarkably resilient because of your hard work and your commitment to giving our guests memorable experiences,” wrote Manuali.

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