Batali apologised for his actions, revealing: ‘That behaviour 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.’
Soon after, the Washington Post published another expose detailing the claims of nine women, leading him to apologise again and say: ‘I take full responsibility for my deplorable actions and am deeply sorry for any pain, humiliation, or anguish I caused.’
The reports saw the Food Network suspended production of his show and his restaurant group confirmed he was stepping away from day-to-day operations.
Then US 60 Minutes aired claims that Batali had sexually assaulted a woman at a party while she was unconscious, leading police to launch an investigation. Batali denied this allegation, saying: ‘I vehemently deny the allegation that I sexually assaulted this woman.’
Soon after, Batali’s partners chose to close several restaurants after more shocking sexual assault allegations came to light. At the time, he said: ‘These restaurants have continued to succeed, and they are a tribute to every one of you who works in them and brings great dining experiences to our guests.
‘Unfortunately, our partner in these restaurants, Las Vegas Sands Corp., has decided to end our relationship.’
But now it seems Batali’s downfall is complete with confirmation that he’s been dissolved of all his restaurant partnerships.
Other celebrity chefs admitted they weren’t surprised to hear of his downfall, saying there’d long been rumours of his questionable behaviour towards women.
Said one: ‘It’s Batali. And it’s bad and no one should be surprised.’
