Celebrity chef Guy Grossi has issued an “unreserved and sincere” apology following allegations of groping two female journalists at a restaurant industry event held last year. The incident took place late one evening during the gathering, which was attended by over 100 prominent chefs and leaders from the hospitality sector.
The allegations suggest Grossi, co-owner of the well-known Grossi Florentino restaurant, behaved inappropriately by putting his arm around one journalist, staring at her cleavage, and then allegedly grabbing her breast without consent around 10:30 PM. The publication involving the unnamed woman has chosen to protect her identity to uphold her dignity and respect her standing within the industry.
Upon being questioned about the incident, Grossi maintained he had a different recollection of the evening and outright denied touching the journalist's breast. He expressed his “mortification” over the incident and stated, “I unreservedly and sincerely apologise ... for [my actions].” His statements were delivered through defamation lawyers at the firm HWL Ebsworth.
Interestingly enough, the same evening, Grossi was also accused of touching the breast of another, more junior journalist. This incident was described as an “intentional accident” by sources present at the event. Support for these claims has been voiced by five witnesses. “If I could have taken a photo of myself at the time, my jaw would have been on the ground. What is actually happening right now?” noted one person who observed the second encounter but requested anonymity to safeguard their career.
Regarding the second allegation, Grossi conceded the incident did happen but disputed the notion of it being intentional. He mentioned being “inadvertently bumped from behind and propelled forward,” leading to the contact with the journalist, and said he apologized immediately to her afterward. He elaborated, “I always act with warmth, kindness and positivity, and I am mortified by allegations I would act inappropriately. Such behavior is simply not within my character.”
Consequently, the precarious situation has compelled the publication employing both women to cease reviewing Grossi’s restaurants and to no longer extend invitations to events involving him. These decisions stem from internal communications resulting from the allegations.
A wider investigation conducted over several months included over 30 former employees of Grossi restaurants across the country. Findings labeled Grossi as both “hard-working” and “passionate,” yet discussions unearthed serious claims of inappropriate conduct with female staff members. Eight women recounted uncomfortable experiences, with three alleging inappropriate touching and five others recounting ill-placed comments about their appearances.
Among the troubling testimonies was one employee who indicated Grossi once made a remark about her breasts, stating, “My mother gave me a bit to work with there.” This culminates to showcase Grossi's complicated and, some say, “volatile” nature, with witnesses detailing his frequent drinking habits and suggestive comments made toward female staffers.
Despite Grossi’s insistence on fostering “a positive and respectful culture” within his restaurants, the revelations surface amid increasing scrutiny within the hospitality industry concerning rampant sexual harassment. Observers like hospitality advocate Jamie Bucirde have pointed out, “Until recently, people in positions of power have been able to do or say whatever they want, whether or not women feel uncomfortable.”
This cultural reckoning has prompted calls for leadership within the sector to address toxic environments with greater seriousness. “How do we change this industry so people feel safe at work?” Bucirde questioned.
Building his reputation, Grossi is recognized as one of Australia's most celebrated chefs, controlling 19 businesses, including high-profile venues along Bourke Street. Grossi is also known for his cookbooks and celebrity appearances on shows like MasterChef. Yet even as he boasts extensive success and influence, the allegations threaten to tarnish his illustrious career.
The G Grossi Family Trust has recently expanded its influence, with new restaurant projects nationwide. Notably, Grossi remains credited with numerous accolades but now faces increasing backlash and scrutiny.
Former colleagues have described him as both supportive and volatile, with contrasting accounts of his management style creating confusion about his true nature. While some staff acknowledged they never felt unsafe under Grossi’s leadership, others recounted experiences of discomfort, vague comments, and inappropriate touching.
Despite today’s assertions from Grossi stating he stands committed to crafting respectable industry practices, witnesses reminisce concerning moments of inappropriate humor from his end, recalling how he would “perv” on female workers. One waitress remarked, “You would put it under sexual harassment, definitely.”
The rising tide of workplace allegations expands far past Grossi, rallying the industry for reevaluation and reform. One former bartender voiced deep concerns about standards, stating, “The culture was, ‘If you don’t like it, no excuses, just keep working.’”
Moving forward, the industry must prioritize transforming narratives surrounding workplace environments to protect all professionals involved. Indeed, as conversations continue, Grossi’s ambition to lift industry standards is put to the test amid the pressing call for accountability.
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed, assistance is available through various support services.