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Gino D’Acampo’s future with huge hotel chain at risk over TV scandal as it says it’s ‘taking it very seriously’
His restaurant features in four of the hotel giant's UK addresses
GINO D'Acampo's partnership with a huge hotel chain is at risk after an investigation into the celebrity chef's conduct behind the scenes of his TV shows.
The Italian star, 43, has been accused of making sexually inappropriate comments and acting aggressively by dozens of colleagues dating back more than a decade.
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He has since denied any wrongdoing, issuing a statement through his lawyer in which he said: "He does not recall it, nor accept that this happened. Mr D’Acampo is horrified to be accused of a “power play” and an “aggressive act”.
"He emphatically and unequivocally denies these allegations."
Today, The Sun can reveal Meliá Hotels, which has a partnership with Gino, is keeping a close eye on developments.
They told us: "We are aware of the allegations and we are closely monitoring the situation. Our company takes such matters very seriously.
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"We have a strict code of ethics and are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment in all our hotels. At this time, we have no further comments."
Meliá-owned hotels in Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle, as well as ME London, all house Gino restaurants after the two parties struck a deal in 2001.
An ITV investigation found there were multiple claims of "unacceptable," "distressing" and "horrendous" treatment while working with Gino over more than 12 years.
One woman, who has been called Hannah to protect her identity, told ITV News correspondent Sejal Karia that the TV chef made inappropriate sexual comments to her on a job in 2011.
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She alleged he told her he would "like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter".
The woman said there was "a ripple of laughs" while nervous crew members hid behind cups of tea.
Gino D'Acampo shares playful clip with wife and co-star Fred Sirieux after being accused of ‘sexually inappropriate’ behaviour
Hannah said she felt "shock" and "horror", while seeing his "aggressive" behaviour as a "kind of power play".
She told ITV News the experience made her feel "very, very, very small" but claimed Gino appeared protected.
Another woman, who has been given the name Natalie, also claimed that she felt Gino's behaviour was "aggressive".
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Gino claims
- One woman claimed Gino told her he would "like to turn me over and f*** me up the a*** against the kitchen counter" in 2011.
- Another woman alleged he opened the door only wearing his boxer shorts and said, "Oh, don't worry, it's only small," pointing towards his penis.
- In 2018, while on set for the filming of Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip, Gino allegedly said he "felt like f***ing" one morning.
- The same year Gino is alleged to have made a comment about another young female colleague who claimed he said: "Shouldn’t we be talking about her t***, they’re perfect, they’re like a mouthful."
- Another alleged that he told a young staff member: "When are we all going to get drunk and have sex together?"
- A woman told ITV she saw Gino appearing to threaten a young colleague over an ice cream in 2019; he allegedly said, "If you don’t get me a Cornetto, I will f*** your girlfriend."
- In 2022 an internal investigation into Gino was launched at production company Betty TV in relation to alleged inappropriate behaviour and language on the set of Gino’s Italy – Like Mamma Used to Make.
- The production company Objective Media Group said in an email seen by ITV in 2024 that issues also arose in 2023 on the Emission Impossible set.
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