‘Ugly Delicious’ Host: Industry Needs Better ‘Moral Compass’ After Mario Batali Accusations

“The only thing I know I can do right now is to make our own company better,” Chef and Netflix personality David Chang says

David Chang Ugly Delicious
Netflix

Chef and restauranteur David Chang, host of the Netflix show “Ugly Delicious,” said during the annual Code conference Wednesday that the restaurant industry is changing in the era of #MeToo, and those in it need stronger moral compasses.

“I’ve been wrestling with myself and what does it say about me, could I have done something different and that’s the only thing I know I can do right now is to make our own company better and learn from the mistakes of others,” Chang, founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, said before calling out others to take action. “For those in the business, we need to be stronger in our moral compass.”

Chang’s comments came in the wake of additional accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct against celebrity chef Mario Batali on Wednesday. In a new report from Eater, seven women accused the chef of inappropriate touching and unwanted kissing.

And last week, the NYPD said it was investigating accusations against Batali by woman who said the chef drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2005.

Chang acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations, and his disappointment considering Batali’s place in the restaurant industry and impact on his own career.

“Everything he’s done has just been… There were just recent revelations today and it’s not just disheartening, it’s like Jesus Christ that’s so hard to read,” Chang said. “And at the same time I don’t know if we’d be in business today without Mario’s support.”

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