Mario Batali has no idea how to treat women...and he admits it. The chef is the latest prominent figure to admit to inappropriate contact with ladies in the past. More specifically, four women have come forward anonymously and accused Batali of groping them over the years. In a familiar explanation, many people who spoke to Eater about the allegations said they were afraid of retribution for speaking out.
In a statement, the chef admits to personal "failures." "I apologize to the people I have mistreated and hurt," Batali says. "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 I have caused to my peers, employees, customers, friends and family."
The backlash against Batali has been swift. He's "stepping away" from the day-to-day operations of his businesses, has been benched by "The Chew," and Food Network has put plans to relaunch "Molto Mario" on hold.