Mario Batali emailed his subscribers an apology — and a recipe for cinnamon rolls

Less than a week after stepping down from his restaurant empire and getting kicked off an ABC cooking show amid allegations of sexual misconduct, Mario Batali emailed an apology to his newsletter subscribers.

It left some people scratching their heads.

“As many of you know, this week there has been news coverage about some of my past behavior,” the email starts. “I have made many mistakes and I am so very sorry that I have disappointed my friends, family, and fans. My behavior was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility.”

The email continues:

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 everyday to regain your respect and trust.

It then includes a postscript:

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

Batali received backlash after the apology and recipe went viral on Friday evening. People on Twitter were quick to question the decision to include a recipe for Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls:

Hi guys, it’s 2017 and Mario Batali just apologized for sexual harassment AND gave a recipe for Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls all in one email. pic.twitter.com/88VuVB8a4H

— Jules Suzdaltsev (@jules_su) December 16, 2017

https://twitter.com/TotallyDerek/status/942166169712078848

MARIO BATALI: How do we address the sexual harassment?
PR TEAM: With a heartfelt apology.
MB: A cinnamon roll recipe should do the trick.
PR: That’s a horrible idea.
MB: Yeah, let’s go with that.
PR: You need to apologize.
MB: OK. Quick apology and then rolls.
PR: We’re doomed. pic.twitter.com/dy7aIHUyDV

— The Darkest Timeline Numbersmuncher (@NumbersMuncher) December 16, 2017

https://twitter.com/WhitneyCummings/status/942058394260684800

How is this not an Onion article? Mario Batali includes cinnamon roll recipe with his sexual misconduct apology email. https://t.co/Hjkpn58gOW

— 🃏 Eric M Hamilton 📚 (@ericmhamilton) December 16, 2017

https://twitter.com/radicalturk/status/942170134969573377

Batali, the celebrity chef behind an international food and restaurant empire that includes the Back Bay’s Eataly Boston and the Seaport’s Babbo Pizzeria, apologized last week for his actions after Eater spoke with several women who alleged he touched them inappropriately.

His media team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.