Star chef Besh steps down amid sexual harassment allegations

Source: Associated Press


Updated 5:35 pm, Monday, October 23, 2017

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans celebrity chef John Besh stepped down from management of the restaurant group that bears his name after a newspaper reported that 25 women who are current or former employees of the business said they were victims of sexual harassment by male co-workers and bosses.

New Orleans media outlets said Besh's departure from the business he co-owns was announced to employees Monday. "John has decided to step down from all aspects of operations and to provide his full focus on his family," Shannon White, the woman who is stepping in as CEO, said in an email to staff.
 
The allegations were published Saturday by NOLA.comThe Times Picayune after an eight-month investigation. Women interviewed said male bosses in the Besh Restaurant Group touched or verbally harassed them and, in a few cases, tried to leverage positions of authority for sex.

Besh acknowledged a sexual relationship with an employee, saying in a written statement to NOLA.comThe Times-Picayune that it was consensual, despite the woman's assertions in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that she felt pressured.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/entertainment/television/article/Star-chef-steps-down-amid-sexual-harassment-12299468.php