Mario Batali is Fired by ABC Over Sexual Misconduct
Famous for being on the ABC show “The Chew,” Mario Batali has been terminated by the network after sexual misconduct reports.
Batali has been the co-host of ABC’s food show since 2011, but recent reports that surfaced over alleged sexual misconduct that spans two decades has prompted the network to fire him.
He was requested to take a leave on Monday when the first report of sexual misconduct allegations surfaced in Eater NY from four women. Three of the women had worked at Batali’s restaurants in the past.
ABC released a statement to Deadline, “Upon completing its review into the allegations made against Mario Batali, ABC has terminated its relationship with him and he will no longer appear on The Chew. While we remain unaware of any type of inappropriate behavior involving him and anyone affiliated with our show, ABC takes matters like this very seriously, as we are committed to a safe work environment and his past behavior violates our standards of conduct.”
The show has continued on with only three remaining hosts, Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, and Michael Symon.
Batali also announced this week that he would step down from his day-to-day operations of his restaurant business.
The Chef has released a statement about the misconduct and said, “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.”