Mario Batali’s business partner admits he knew of sexual harassment

Eater NY

Eater reports that Batali and longtime business partner Joe Bastianich created a male-dominated “boys’ club” environment where sexual misconduct could thrive. Bastianich admits he "heard (Batali) say inappropriate things” to staffers and that he “should have done more” to criticize him. “I’m proud of what our teams accomplish every day, and I’ve always tried to show respect for them and their work,” Bastianich said in a statement. “It pains me that some employees feel differently, and I’m reexamining my own behavior to ensure that everyone I work with feels that respect.”