'The Great American Baking Show' Has Been Canceled Amid Judge's Sexual Harassment Allegations
Fans of The Great American Baking Show will have to find their Christmas dessert inspiration elsewhere this year.
ABC announced yesterday that the network would stop airing new episodes of the baking show midseason after eight former employees have now accused judge Johnny Iuzzini of sexual harassment and abusive behavior, according to Mic. The accusations come from employees who worked with the pastry chef and former Top Chef: Just Desserts judge during his 2002-2011 run at Jean-Georges restaurant in New York City. News of the network's decision follows Mario Batali's firing from ABC's The Chew after reports of sexual misconduct.
"In light of allegations that recently came to our attention, ABC has ended its relationship with Johnny Iuzzini and will not be airing the remainder of The Great American Baking Show episodes," a network spokesperson said in a statement. "ABC takes matters such as those described in the allegations very seriously and has come to the conclusion that they violate our standards of conduct."
Last month, after four former employees first made allegations of harassment, Johnny responded with a statement to Mic containing an apology to the employees in question. "I am shattered and heartbroken at the thought that any of my actions left members of my team feeling hurt or degraded," he said. "More importantly, I am deeply sorry to those who felt hurt." However, he also denied some of the initial claims, citing them as "inaccurate" or saying he couldn't recall the incidents. "None were meant to hurt people. Nonetheless, I must take responsibility if any of the members of my team felt uncomfortable by my words or actions, regardless of my intent or recollection," read part of his statement.
However, after four more former employees spoke out, Iuzzini told Mic that the new allegations are "simply untrue," adding that "there is a difference between accepting responsibility for my immaturity and allowing false claims and accusations to be reported."
A Jean-Georges spokesperson told Mic the restaurant can't comment on matters involving current or former employees. "We take issues of employee welfare very seriously and have worked hard to make sure employees have a safe environment to work in," said the rep via email.
Season 3 of The Great American Baking Show premiered on Dec. 7. Fans will have to stay tuned for details about the announcement of the winner. "This season's winner will be announced at a later date," the ABC spokesperson said. "Episodes of The Great Christmas Light Fight and CMA Country Christmas will take its place this week and next."
(h/t People.com)
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