An investigation found Batali, his former business partner Joseph Bastianich and their restaurant empire engaged in unlawful sex discrimination and retaliation.
Celebrity chef Mario Batali and his former business partner Joseph Bastianich have reached a settlement deal after an investigation found the two men and their restaurant empire engaged in unlawful sex discrimination and retaliation. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Friday that Batali, Bastianich and their management company will pay $600,000 to at least 20 former employees who were sexually harassed while working at their Manhattan restaurants Babbo, Lupa and the now-closed Del Posto. They will also have to revise all training materials in their restaurants and submit reports to the attorney general’s office every six months to certify that they are complying with the settlement agreement. The investigation, which began following allegations of harassment against Batali made in 2017, found the culture at his businesses violated both state and city human rights laws. “Celebrity and fame does not absolve someone from following the law.
