Mario Batali Will Not Face Sex Assault Charges in New York

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Celebrity Chef Mario Batali, who was being investigated by the New York City police, will not face sexual misconduct charges. Batali was accused by two different women to have been sexually inappropriate.

It was reported that the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit had been investigating only one of the cases.

The other case that they could not investigate was not within the statute of limitations.

The police were unable to find probable cause to charge Batali with a crime.

Batali was first accused of sexual misconduct in December 2017, by “Eater,” a website which discusses restaurant themed news.

They reported four women have accused Batali of inappropriate touching. This behavior is alleged to have spanned two decades.

One of the celebrity chef’s alleged victims claimed that in January 2004, she was at Batali’s Italian restaurant, Babbo. While at the New York eatery, she lost consciousness.  As she awakened, she found Batali lying on top of her.

The second alleged victim appeared on the television show “60 Minutes.” The accuser told them about an alleged incident which took place more than 10 years ago at a New York Restaurant. According to the woman, Batali drugged and was sexually inappropriate with her.

CNN revealed that they were told by several individuals that Batali has been sexually inappropriate with the staff at his restaurants.  They also mentioned that this type of behavior was commonplace.

After the report in”Eater” was published, Batali quit his job on “The Chew” where he was one of the co-hosts. A spokesperson for ABC which aired the show verified this.

From 1996 to 2004 Batali’s “Molto Mario” aired on The Food Network. CNN reported that there was a  plan to bring back the show, but that idea was dropped after the accusations.

NYPD investigators decided not to refer the cases for criminal prosecution. The women were unable to recall pertinent information about the case, and the police were unable to find corroborating witnesses.

The chef has admitted to inappropriate behavior in the past but denies allegations of sexual assault.