Chef Mario Batali acquitted of sexual misconduct

Celebrity chef Mario Batali has been cleared of sexual misconduct following a criminal trial in Boston. The case, which was heard in Boston Municipal Court, was centered on a woman who said Batali kissed and groped her while she attempted to take a selfie at a Boston bar in 2017.

Judge James Stanton found Batali not guilty on Tuesday. The chef had waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded not guilty in 2019.

Batali had faced indecent assault and battery charges, which carried up to 2 1/2 years in prison. Batali's accuser has filed a lawsuit that's pending.