Celebrity Chef Mario Batali Pays $600,000 To Settle Employee Harassment Allegation; New Training Materials Also Required

By Giul Martin First Posted: Jul 23, 2021 05:32 PM EDT

Celebrity chef Mario Batali was able to pay $600,000 to settle a four-year employee harassment investigation against him. The co-owner of B&B Hospitality and his partner, Joseph Bastianich and restaurant managers and other workers, allegedly harassed some staff.

The money will be distributed to around 20 former employees who fell victim to the chef's malicious activity. The affected staff recently worked for the B&B Hospitality and Batali's Manhattan restaurants, such as Luba, Del Posto, and Babbo.

On the other hand, Attorney General Letitia James also confirmed on Friday, July 23, that Batali and his companies also need top to submit new employee training materials. Aside from this requirement, they must send reports to the attorney general's office for the next three years documenting harassment, as well as training and policy discrimination.

Celebrity Chef Batali's Case

According to Yahoo News' latest report, the celebrity chef already announced that he would announce that he is planning to step down as B&B, B&B the business owner of B&B Hospitality, because of some reports from multiple women.

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According to the victims, their boss harassed them on many occasions. On the other hand, US News reported that Batali's career fell after the allegations appeared. One of the victims said that the chef pulled her hand towards his private part.

She added that the man did this after she served him. Aside from this, the harasser is also claimed to be showing some inappropriate videos to some of his employees.

"Celebrity and fame does not absolve someone from following the law. Sexual harassment is unacceptable for anyone, anywhere - no matter how powerful the perpetrator," said the Attorney General.

Batali Supported Women Through Words Only?

According to The Mashed's latest report, Batali supported his lady employees through words. However, his actions contradict his statement.

He also explained that he was only in heat when he did those malicious acts. On the other hand, B&B Hospitality also reprimanded the celebrity chef after receiving the complaints.

"They are so far behind us, in the evolutionary phase of where we are right now. It's gone for most of us, but it's still holding on for people that are living in fear ... that their own diminished abilities are going to be recognized by someone who happens to be smarter than them," explained Batali.