NEW YORK, NY. (THECOUNT) — Celebrity chef Mario Batali has been completely bought out of all interest in his restaurants after being accused in December by several women of sexual harassment.
Following reports that surfaced last year accusing Batali of sexually assaulting multiple women, the Bastianich family and Mr. Batali’s other partners have bought out his stake and plan to “regroup,” reported the New York Times on Wednesday.
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The 20-year partnership between the celebrity chef Mario Batali and the Bastianich family of restaurateurs was formally dissolved on Wednesday, more than a year after several women accused Mr. Batali of sexual harassment and assault.
Mr. Batali “will no longer profit from the restaurants in any way, shape or form,” said Tanya Bastianich Manuali, who will head day-to-day operations at a new company, as yet unnamed, created to replace the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group.
The new company will operate the group’s remaining 16 restaurants under a new management and financial structure. Mrs. Bastianich Manuali and her brother, Joe Bastianich, have bought Mr. Batali’s shares in all the restaurants. They would not discuss the terms of the buyout.
Developing.