It's been a harrowing few months in the world of both entertainment and politics. Following the bevy of sexual misconduct claims against producer Harvey Weinstein, as well as his subsequent firing from the Weinstein company and the Academy, the floodgates have opened. A new allegation comes to light almost every day, as powerful men are accused of using their status to influence women's sexual behavior, including assault. The latest of these Hollywood figures to be accused of misconduct is celebrity chef Mario Batali. Batali hosts ABC's cooking talk show The Chew, and was placed on indefinite suspension this past Monday in lieu of these allegations. And now it looks like he's gotten the chop from The Chew for good.
The accusations came earlier this week from four separate women, who have worked with Mario Batali in some shape or another through his career as a famous chef. While it doesn't currently appear that he was inappropriate with anyone on staff of The Chew, ABC still decided to separate itself from Batali officially. The network's statement elaborates its reasoning for firing Batali (via Deadline), saying:
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.
It looks like the investigation regarding Mario Batali's alleged behavior has been quite fruitful, giving ABC enough cause to terminate its long running partnership with the chef and television personality. In addition to ABC and The Chew, Batali has also stepped down from his company Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, with an official firing seemingly on its way.
Mario Batali's termination certainly seems to put The Chew in a funny place, considering its long history on the air. Earlier this year host Daphne Oz departed the series after six season, changing the hosting panel from five to four. And with Mario Batali fired amid allegations, all that is left is Michael Symon, Carla Hall, and moderator Clinton Kelly (What Not To Wear). It's currently unclear if ABC plans to bring in any new blood, although that would be key if The Chew is to continue. Part of the appeal of the series is all the different opinions and chefs. There are only two cooks on the panel at the moment, which is no doubt making a stressful work environment for the remaining hosts.
Mario Batali is the latest figure to be fire due to sexual assault allegations, following Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacey, Bret Ratner, Danny Masterson, and plenty more.
The Chew airs weekdays on ABC. In the meantime, check out our midseason premiere list to plan your next binge watch, and our cancellation list to see if your favorite show got the chop this year.
