‘I am mortified’: Celebrity chef Guy Grossi both apologises for and denies groping allegation
Guy Grossi has both apologised and denied allegations he groped a female journalist at an industry event, saying he had a different recollection of what occurred.
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Guy Grossi has given an “unreserved and sincere apology” in response to allegations he groped a female journalist at an industry even, but denied touching her breast, saying he had a different recollection of what occurred
The alleged incident between the renowned chef and restaurateur and the senior food and wine journalist – revealed in a Nine Newspapers investigation on Friday – is said to have taken place at a function in February 2022 attended by more than 100 prominent Australian hospitality figures.
The unnamed woman claims that the Grossi Florentino co-owner put his arm around her, stared at her cleavage, and then grabbed her right breast without consent.
A second journalist from the same publication alleged Grossi also touched her breast without consent.
In a statement issued on his behalf by lawyers at the firm HWL Ebsworth, the 59-year-old said that he did not want to discredit the senior journalist, but denied touching her breast and said his recollection of the night differed from hers.
“I always act with warmth, kindness and positivity, and I am mortified by allegations I would act inappropriately,” Grossi said.
“Such behaviour is simply not within my character.”
Grossi said that he was only made aware he had “offended” the journalist when contacted by Nine Newspapers over the alleged incident.
“Had I been aware previously, I would have apologised to (her) immediately,” he continued.
“I am devastated to know that any of my actions caused (her) disrespect, and I unreservedly and sincerely apologise to the (redacted) for that.”
While Grossi acknowledged the incident with the second journalist did occur, he disputed her description of it as an “intentional accident”.
He instead said he was “inadvertently bumped from behind and propelled forward”, “made contact” with the woman and immediately apologised to her over the interaction.
News.com.au has contacted Grossi via his lawyers for further comment.
The three restaurants operated by Grossi “have strong policies in place to ensure a safe and supportive workplace” for his 120-plus staff, his statement read.
“We work closely with a legal firm that specialises in employment matters to ensure a safe and supportive workplace,” he said.
“We also have a training and development manager who actively promotes and reinforces our safe work policies with our team, and have always had an open door for staff to raise any concerns with us.
“I have always been committed to creating a positive and respectful culture in all of our restaurants and with our staff, and more broadly with everyone who works in the hospitality industry.
“Anyone who knows me and my family and our business knows this to be true.”
The hospitality industry has been rocked by an industry-wide reckoning, unrelated to the allegations against Grossi, with the culture of rampant drug and alcohol use, misogyny, sexual misconduct and assault that former staff say they endured at some of Australia’s most prominent restaurants.
The “endemic levels” of what the United Workers Union has described as hospitality’s “systemic sexual harassment and gender-based violence problem” were thrown into sharp focus by investigations into two major hospitality groups, Merivale and Swillhouse, late last year.
As many as 9 in 10 hospitality workers have experienced sexual harassment, according to Sexual Harassment Australia. Nearly as many (84.7 per cent) admit to witnessing other people being harassed by their boss or co-workers.
“Men are often situated in positions of power within the industry, and support the careers of other men even when they engage in abusive behaviour,” a University of Melbourne report, titled Not So Hospitable, read.
The study delved into the “boys’ club” nature of the nation’s hospitality scene, and was based on information gathered by South Australian sexologist, researcher and former hospitality worker, Jamie Bucirde.
“This attitude fosters a culture where misconduct and harassment are excused or even condoned particularly when perpetrated by male employees in positions of power.”
natalie.brown@news.com.au
Originally published as ‘I am mortified’: Celebrity chef Guy Grossi both apologises for and denies groping allegation