Mario Batali’s Apology Attempt Regarding Sexual Misconduct Allegations Backfires
Celebrity chef Mario Batali continued to stir controversy when he released an apology statement regarding the latest sexual misconduct allegations against him.
A Botched Apology
Batali sent a private apology note to his e-mail subscribers that they received on Friday, Dec. 15. The former Iron Chef acknowledged his past behavior and made several pleas for forgiveness.
"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 behavior was wrong, and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility," wrote Batali.
While Batali's words and promises to rebuild his character felt heartfelt, fans were a bit disappointed with what followed. The former co-host of The Chew attached a recipe of one of Batali's favorite holiday-inspired dishes: Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls.
Twitter Throws Eggs
Batali received immediate social media backlash from his former fans on Twitter.
"Karen, these Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls are delicious! Where did you get the recipe? 'Oh, just from Mario Batali's sexual misconduct apology e-mail.'" Wrote one Twitter user.
"If there's anything worse than a sexual harassment apology from Mario Batali, which includes a recipe for cinnamon rolls; it's sexually harassed by a man who resembles a pot-bellied pig," wrote another Twitter user.
Comedian Whitney Cummings had strong words for Batali that was liked by many Twitter users.
Mario Batali “apologized” for sexually harassing women then provided a cinnamon roll recipe. “Women, sorry I degraded you, now get back in the kitchen and cook bitch.”
— Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) December 16, 2017
A Sticky Situation
December has not been a good month for the Food Network personality. In addition to the Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls e-mail controversy, Batali has faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations from many women. Several of the women stated that Batali either groped them or made crude remarks to them.
Actress Siobhan Thompson tweeted on Dec. 11 that "...Not only was Mario Batali very handsy, they often serve us pasta with cut up hot dogs as family meal." Co-workers of The Spotted Pig, a New York City restaurant, had a "rape room" where Batali and The Spotted Pig's co-owner and New York City restaurateur Kevin Friedman allegedly groped and raped women. The restaurant's waiting staff gave Batali the nickname: "The Red Menace," due to their terrible encounters with the Food Network star.
Due to those allegations, the ABC Television Network cut ties with Batali after multiple sexual misconduct allegations surfaced. Batali was one of the founding co-hosts of the ABC Daytime culinary show, The Chew, and before he was terminated from the network, they asked him to momentary step away from the program.
Batali has also temporary stepped away from the day-to-day operations at his culinary company, Batali and Bastianich Hospitality Group, which he shares with Joe Bastianich and his mother, Lydia Bastianich.
