Celebrity chef accused of harassment files for bankruptcy

By Abbey Westbury
September 07 2018 05:49 AM

CP1752600708 — FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2009 file photo, "Top Chef: Las Vegas" contestants Ashley Merriman, left, Mike Isabella, center, and Mattin Noblia cook during the presentation for "Top Chef: Las Vegas" at the NBC Universal Television Critics Association summer press tour in Pasadena, Calif. Isabella has filed for bankruptcy in the wake of a sexual harassment lawsuit that had a direct impact on sales and led to the Washington Nationals cutting ties with him. The Washington Post reports the Washington chef filed for bankruptcy protection for his businesses on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. Former Mike Isabella Concepts manager, Chloe Caras, sued in March alleging the "Top Chef" alum and his partners touched her without permission and talked about her buttocks. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

WASHINGTON – Celebrity chef Mike Isabella once had more than a dozen restaurants in the Washington area. Now he’s filed for bankruptcy after a sexual harassment lawsuit.

The Washington Post reports the “Top Chef” alum filed for bankruptcy protection for his businesses on Thursday.

The March lawsuit by a former Mike Isabella Concepts top manager, Chloe Caras, accused Isabella and his partners of touching her without permission and talking about her buttocks. They denied it, the suit was settled in May, but the damage was done. Sales plummeted, the Washington Nationals cut ties and staffers quit.

Isabella says he hopes the bankruptcy filing will help avoid more restaurant closures. He spoke ahead of a Friday hearing involving his restaurant at the University of Maryland in College Park, where he’s fighting eviction.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

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