Woman accuses celebrity chef Mario Batali of sexual abuse

A software professional from the Boston area testified this Monday (9) claiming, in tears, that the famous chef Mario Batali groped her and squeezed her “female sensitive areas” five years ago in a Boston bar, while posing with her for photos.

Natali Tene, 32, said on the witness stand that she was “shocked” and “alarmed” by her meeting with the famous chef, while Batali, 61, is undergoing trial in Boston Municipal Court over a charge of indecent assault and bodily harm.

“It all happened so quickly,” Tene said at the trial that doesn’t happen with a popular jury. “Essentially, the entire time there were touches on my sensitive feminine areas.”

Tene’s allegations form the basis of the only criminal case stemming from multiple #MeToo-era sexual harassment and abuse allegations that helped fuel Batali’s downfall starting in 2017. She said she came forward after realizing she wasn’t alone. .

“I want to be able to take control of what happened and go ahead, say what happened to me, spread the truth — and hold everyone accountable for their actions,” Tene said.

Batali, who denies the charges, faces up to 2½ years in prison, and can be legally registered as a sex offender.

“The defense in this case is very simple: It didn’t happen,” Anthony Fuller, a lawyer representing Batali, said during his opening argument earlier in the day.

The trial was supposed to take place before a popular jury, but Batali waived his right and left the decision of his guilt or innocence in the hands of Judge James Stanto.

Source: CNN Brasil

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