Mario Batali Has Officially Been Fired From “The Chew”
On Monday, Eater published several stories by women claiming to have been sexually harassed and assaulted by Mario Batali. Mario admitted that he was guilty of being a huge creep, and ABC asked him to step away from his co-hosting duties on The Chew. In a move as predictable as Mario Batali showing up to an event in a sweat-soaked fleece vest, ABC has fired him from The Chew.
A spokesperson from ABC released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter regarding their decision.
“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. 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.”
Since Eater published their exposé on Batali, he’s been accused of assault and harassment by eight women. On Tuesday, The New York Times published more allegations against Mario Batali, including the claim that heo was seen on security camera footage groping and kissing a woman who appeared unconscious during a private party at NYC restaurant The Spotted Pig in 2008. So when ABC says Mario didn’t try anything on set in front of the cameras, they really mean their cameras.
Mario has been co-hosting The Chew for six years. Co-host Daphne Oz is also gone, which leaves The Chew with three remaining co-hosts: Carla Hall, Michael Symon, and Clinton Kelly. Carla, Michael, and Clinton addressed the situation with Mario on The Chew earlier in the week.
"Our commitment to our viewers remains the same – to deliver the entertaining show that you’ve come to expect." Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall and Michael Symon address the recent news impacting our show. pic.twitter.com/mObwosDWcd
— The Chew (@thechew) December 12, 2017
Carla said they still plan on delivering the same entertaining show we’ve come to expect. As an avid The Chew viewer, here’s the entertainment I expect: Clinton to make a cocktail that’s 98% booze, Carla’s “hootie-hoos” to get 99% louder after drinking the all-sugar non-alcoholic version, and Michael to sit in the corner and giggle. Bonus points when Clinton whips out the glue for a broken craft. I like The Chew best when it resembles a messy party. If ABC wants to wipe the orange Crocs stink off The Chew, they should just give the audience what they come for and re-launch it as The Guzzle.
Pic: YouTube