Mike Isabella Issues Apology, Talks Next Steps For Eateries

After settling a sexual harassment lawsuit, closing several restaurants and filing for bankruptcy, celebrity chef Mike Isabella has offered an apology.

Isabella tells Fox 5 he "probably should have apologized earlier."

It was the first time Isabella commented on the lawsuit filed by former Isabella Eatery director of operations Chloe Caras earlier this year. The lawsuit claimed that Isabella and his partners touched Caras in inappropriate ways, made vulgar and explicitly sexual remarks to her, called her sexist insults and made up rumors about her sexual history, according to The Washington Post.

The chef later settled the sexual harassment lawsuit against him and his partners. The settlement includes an undisclosed amount of money, according to a statement by Pikrallidas Law.

Isabella tells Fox5 he and staff received training to address the "bro-culture" that can allow sexual harassment to happen in the workplace. "We hired a firm to come in after this happened to train me, to train all of my staff on procedures and policies, what could be said, what could be done, how to act and how to control situations,” he told the TV station. "It was a great learning experience. We have learned a lot."

The lawsuit, in addition to lawsuits from landlords suing for back rent, have taken a toll on his restaurants. His original restaurant Graffiato in DC's Chinatown closed in July. Requin Brasserie at the Mosaic District closed this spring and Graffiato in Richmond closed in June. His largest venture, Isabella Eatery in Tysons Galleria, closed in August.

Isabella has eight restaurants still open. He told The Post he hopes the bankruptcy will prevent any more restaurants from closing.

See the full interview from Fox 5.

Michael Isabella attends the 2011 Bravo Upfront, in New York on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. (Peter Kramer/Associated Press)