‘The Chew’ Cast Addresses Mario Batali Allegations

Following an Eater NY report detailing decades of alleged sexual misconduct by Mario Batali, ABC removed the celebrity chef from his role as a host on the network’s daytime talk show, The Chew. On Tuesday, co-hosts Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, and Michael Symon addressed Batali’s absence. Their statement aired at the beginning of the episode and was subsequently posted to The Chew’s social media channels.

The full statement, read by the three remaining hosts:

Yesterday, allegations of past improper behavior surfaced about our own Mario Batali, and ABC asked him to step away from the show while those allegations are reviewed. We want you to know we take these matters very seriously and are committed to a safe work environment. Our commitment to our viewers remains the same — to deliver the entertaining show that you’ve come to expect.

Batali has also stepped away from daily operations at his restaurants. Food Network recently announced it would air six new episodes of the chef’s hit ’90s cooking show, Molto Mario, but those plans have been scrapped in light of the allegations.

• @thechew [Twitter]
• Mario Batali Steps Away From Restaurant Empire Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations [ENY]
• Food Network Freezes Plans to Release New ‘Molto Mario’ Episodes After Sexual Misconduct Allegations [E]
• All Mario Batali Coverage [E]