ABC Fires Mario Batali After Review of Sexual-Misconduct Claims

ABC has fired celebrity chef Mario Batali after investigating sexual-misconduct claims made against him in an Eater.com exposé published last week. “Upon completing its review into the allegations made against Mario Batali, ABC has terminated its relationship with him and he will no longer appear on The Chew,” an ABC spokesperson told EW.com. “While we remain unaware of any type of inappropriate behavior involving him and anyone affiliated with our show, ABC takes matters like this very seriously as we are committed to a safe work environment and his past behavior violates our standards of conduct.” Batali initially stepped away from all of his business ventures—including his restaurant empire and co-hosting The Chew—following the initial accusations, admitting in a statement that the allegations “match up” with his past behavior.