Eataly To Cut Ties To Mario Batali Over Sex Assault Allegations

CHICAGO, IL — Eataly has confirmed it's cutting all ties to Mario Batali amid allegations of sexual assault against the celebrity chef. An Eataly representative said Batali has had little involvement with the Italian marketplace since late 2017. The chef is a minority shareholder in the company, and Eataly is now in the process of ending that relationship, the spokesperson said.

Nine women accused Batali of sexual misconduct late last year. According to CBS, the celebrity chef apologized, and said that what the women described "does, in fact, match up with ways I have acted."

Several women who worked with Batali were interviewed on a segment of "60 Minutes," which aired on Sunday. One of the women said Batali drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2005 at one of the New York restaurants he was a shareholder in.

According to a report by the New York Times, a second sexual assault claim was filed with the NYPD on March 15. A woman said Batali drugged and sexually assaulted her at one of his restaurants.

In a statement to CBS, Batali said he "vehemently denied" that he sexually assaulted the women.

Batali helped to found B&B Hospitality Group in 1998. In a statement, the restaurant group called the allegations against the celebrity chef "chilling and deeply disturbing." The group said it's been "actively negotiating" with Batali to separate him from the company.

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