Chef Mario Batali steps down from his businesses amid sexual harassment accusations

Celebrated chef Mario Batali is the latest public figure to be accused of sexual impropriety.

Several women have accused Batali of sexual harassment and groping their breasts or buttocks, according to Eater New York.

USA Today reports that Batali is stepping down from his company, Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, and his television show “The Chew.”

Batali owned up to the accusations.

“I apologize to the people I have mistreated and hurt,” he said. “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.”

Eater said at least four women accuse Batali of touching them inappropriately. One former employee said he “compelled her to straddle him.” A former server said Batali grabbed her from behind “like a linebacker, like a disgusting bear hug.”

The accusations go back two decades. The online food publication said Batali was reprimanded recently by Batali & Bastianich after an employee reported his behavior in October. Batali was required to take sensitivity training.

“I have work to do to try to regain the trust of those I have hurt and disappointed,” Batali told Eater. “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.

“I know my actions have disappointed many people,” Batali continued. “The successes I have enjoyed are owned by everyone on my team. The failures are mine alone. To the people who have been at my side during this time — my family, my partners, my employees, my friends, my fans — I am grateful for your support and hopeful that I can regain your respect and trust. I will spend the next period of time trying to do that.”

Batali began building a reputation as a chef as host of “Molto Mario” on the Food Network. His business partners are Joe Bastianich and Lidia Bastianich, whose restaurants include Lidia’s in Kansas City.

This story was originally published December 11, 2017 at 9:59 AM with the headline "Chef Mario Batali steps down from his businesses amid sexual harassment accusations."