Celebrity Chef Mario Batali Accused of Sexual Misconduct

December 12, 2017

Celebrity chef Mario Batali has given up oversight of the daily operations at his restaurant empire following allegations of sexual misconduct over a period of at least 20 years.

The alleged incidents involve at least four women, three of whom worked for Batali.

In a prepared statement sent to The Associated Press, Batali said that the complaints “match up” with his past behavior.

“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,” Batali said.

A spokesperson for Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group says an employee reported inappropriate behavior by Batali in October. The company said it was the first formal complaint against Batali and that he was reprimanded and required to attend training.

Batali will also take leave from his ABC cooking show, “The Chew.”

“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 Monday. “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.”

No one should have to experience sexual misconduct in the workplace. Sexual harassment leads to what is called a hostile work environment that can cause an employee to suffer from anxiety, stress and to feel powerless. Sadly, even though sexual harassment is illegal, it still occurs in many workplaces.

Sexual harassment can embody many different things. It can include sexual advances, inappropriate touching, patting, pinching, groping, or leering. Sexual harassment can also involve unsavory comments made by your boss or co-workers about your body, appearance, sexual orientation, sex life, or your clothing.

In Florida, you have the right to work at your job without being sexually harassed by your co-worker, supervisor, boss or anyone else. You also have the right to report sexual harassment and cannot be retaliated against by your employer for doing so.

Sexual Harassment is strictly prohibited by both Florida state law and federal laws. Employers who know about the harassment, or should have known about it and fail to put a stop to it, can legally be held liable for their failure to stop it. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with our Florida Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Whittel & Melton, please call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online.