Australian food critic Melissa Leong says she is saddened that the controversy surrounding former Amisfield executive chef Vaughan Mabee has resulted in the removal of their television series from TVNZ’s streaming catalogue.
TVNZ confirmed on Monday that Taste of Art, a food programme co-hosted by Leong and Mabee, had been removed and was no longer available to viewers following allegations made against the celebrity chef.
According to a report by Stuff, Mabee resigned from Amisfield in February after more than 10 years leading the winery restaurant’s kitchen. At the time, Amisfield chief executive Simon Toneycliffe did not provide details surrounding the resignation, stating the company would not comment on the private matters of current or former employees.
However, allegations published by The Press earlier this month claimed Mabee assaulted a colleague at a nightclub and oversaw a toxic workplace culture in the kitchen, where verbal abuse was allegedly common and staff were frequently reduced to tears.
Further claims included allegations of alcohol abuse, inappropriate comments toward colleagues and incidents of physical aggression.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Leong said she had joined the show last year because she was “excited and honoured to contribute to a show that celebrates the highest potential in cuisine artistry,” as quoted by Stuff.
“And so it is with great disappointment that the show’s resounding success has been hampered by such unfortunate circumstances these past weeks,” she said.
Leong also spoke about the importance of listening to women who come forward with allegations.
“As a victim-survivor, it would feel like a betrayal to me if I did not say something about the situation at hand, and it’s this: We need to listen when women speak up, because it isn’t without fear, trepidation and personal cost when we do so,” as quoted by Stuff.
“As the situation is still unfolding, this is as far as I will speak on this subject. I trust you will all act with consideration and respect for each other. Much kindness to you all and I look forward to seeing you onscreen before too long,” Stuff has quoted.
Since the allegations surfaced, Mabee has publicly apologised to former staff and acknowledged his conduct had “fallen short”.
In a statement reported by The Press earlier this month, Mabee said he had disappointed his team, family and himself, and “unreservedly apologised” for his “inappropriate behaviour” and for the “harm or offence” caused.
He also announced he was stepping away from Amisfield to focus on his health and family life, saying he wanted to become “a present and loving father to my family,” as quoted by Stuff.
Mabee further acknowledged he had struggled to adapt to changes within the hospitality industry.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment