News
Greg Evans
Dec 16, 2017

Picture:
Andrew Toth/Getty Images for The Weinstein Company
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.Â
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. Â
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.
Picture: Mario Batali/ Screengrab
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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.
Â
In light of the sexual assault allegations against him, Batali has been fired from his role at ABCÂ 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.
HTÂ SF Gate
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