Celebrity chef apologises for sexual misconduct and gives cinnamon roll recipe in same statement
Mario Batali, a well-known celebrity chef in America, has been forced to apologise after being accused of touching several women inappropriately.
A number of women who worked for his restaurant empire accused the 57-year-old of groping them, according to reports by both the Washington Post and Eater.
The chef, who co-hosted the ABC show The Chew, has apologised for his behaviour.
In his weekly newsletter, he wrote:
As many of you know, this week there has been some news coverage about some of my past behaviour.
I have made many mistakes and I am so very sorry that I have disappointed my friends, my family, my fans and my team.
My behaviour was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility.
Sharing the joys of Italian food, tradition and hospitality with all of you, each week, is an honour and privilege.
Without the support of all of you — my fans — I would never have a forum in which to expound on this.
I will work every day to regain your respect and trust.
However, in what people have seen as a bizarre and inappropriate move, Batali decided to add a link to a recipe for Christmas inspired pizza dough cinnamon rolls at the bottom of his apology.
Batali wrote:
ps. in case you're searching for a holiday-inspired breakfast, these pizza dough cinnamon rolls are a fan favourite.
Although the apology is the main element of the newsletter the addition of the recipe has attracted a wave of fresh criticism and backlash against Batali.
In light of the sexual assault allegations against him, Batali has been fired from his role at ABC and has also stepped away from operations of the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, which has more than 20 locations across the United States.
indy100 has contacted Mr Batali's representatives for comment on the backlash.
HT SF Gate
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