Celebrity chef Mario Batali found not guilty of indecent assault, battery

Movie star chef Mario Batali has been discovered not responsible of indecent assault and battery for a 2017 incident in Boston.

Natalie Tene, 32, mentioned Batali forcibly kissed her and grabbed her breasts, buttocks and groin after assembly him in a Boston bar whereas having a drink with a pal in March 2017.

Decide James Stanton finally determined that the defendant had a monetary motive for making the accusations. Stanton rendered the decision instantly since Batali waived his proper to a jury trial.

On Monday, at first of the trial, Tene mentioned she was talking out “to have the ability to take management of what occurred,” whereas a protection legal professional for Batali referred to as her a liar who’s twisting the reality “for cash and for enjoyable.”

Tene claimed Batali was “grabbing me in methods I had by no means been touched earlier than, squeezing between my legs … pulling me nearer to him.”

Batali maintained that he was not responsible of the allegations.

The alleged assault passed off after the accuser requested the chef for a selfie. He smelled of alcohol and appeared intoxicated, she alleged. Tene has additionally filed a civil grievance for unspecified damages based mostly on the identical allegations that shall be tried individually from this case.

It is a growing story. Examine again for updates.

ABC Information’ Mark Guarino contributed to this report.