Mario Batali 'Abused' His Celebrity In Boston Groping: Lawyer

BOSTON, MA — The attorney of the woman accusing celebrity chef Mario Batali of groping and kissing her without her consent said he "abused his celebrity status" in committing "despicable acts." Batali is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Boston Municipal Court on a charge of indecent assault and battery related to the alleged incident in a Back Bay restaurant in 2017, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said Wednesday.

Natali Tene's attorney said Batali "enticed" his client to take a selfie with him, and while taking the photograph, he "groped her breasts, buttocks, and genitals, and kissed her repeatedly without her consent."

Batali's attorney refutes the allegations, according to CNN.

Batali, 58, stepped away from the restaurant scene after multiple woman levied allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The charge he faces in Boston is believed to be the first criminal one against him.