• by Ray Schultz , December 18, 2017

Chef Mario Batali has drawn derision in social media by using his email newsletter to apologize for his sexual misbehavior — and then offering a recipe for cinnamon rolls.

“I genuinely thought that ‘Mario Batali includes a cinnamon roll recipe in his sexual harassment apology’ was an onion gag,” said one tweeter, according to Fox News. “My bad.”

The celebrity chef has left the ABC cooking show “The Chew,” on which he was co-host, and stepped down as head of his restaurant business following reports that he inappropriately touched women.

His email reads as follows:

"As many of you know, this week there has been some news coverage about some of my past behavior.  

I have made many mistakes and I am so very sorry that I have disappointed my friends, my family, my fans and my team. My behavior was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility. 

Sharing the joys of Italian food, tradition and hospitality with all of you, each week, is an honor and privilege. Without the support of all of you — my fans — I would never have a forum in which to expound on this. 

I will work every day to regain your respect and trust." 

-mb

ps. in case you're searching for a holiday-inspired breakfast, these Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls are a fan favorite. 

The email invites recipients to click through or the recipe.

The Eater reported on December 11 that four women alleged that “Batali touched them inappropriately in a pattern of behavior that appears to span at least two decades.” Three of the victims had worked for Batali, it adds.

According to The Eater, Batali has stepped away from the day-to-day operation of his businesses for an unspecified period of time, and was dropped from the TV show while the allegations are investigated. His company, Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, supports 24 restaurants, The Eater continues.