Mario Batali Leaves Temporarily Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The Chew cohost Mario Batali is stepping away from his eatery empire following several allegations of sexual misconduct, according to a report from the company.
So far, four women have accused Mario of sexual harassment and assault spanning nearly two decades. One female chef alleges that when Mario was drunk, he offered her a job then groped her breast.
Two others accused him of grabbing and groping — one accused him of ordering her to straddle him. Another women says he groped her breasts at a party.
“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,” Mario said in a statement to Eater. “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.”