Sexual Harassment Claims Won’t Stop John Besh’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival Dinner

In the wake of explosive sexual harassment allegations that have many companies rushing to cut ties to the Besh Restaurant Group and its branches, reps from the star-chef-studded South Beach Wine and Food Festival told the Miami Herald that John Besh, a “fan favorite and longtime supporter of the Festival,” will still co-host a $250/ticket, sold-out dinner with Scott Conant. The event website touts the pair’s “award-winning charm.”

Here’s the thing though: Conant tells Grub Street that his team has been in “active talks” to “take this event in a different direction with a new chef.”

Since the Times-Picayune’s report that 25 women alleged sexual harassment in the John Besh Restaurant Group, Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans quickly cut the Besh name from its steakhouse. Public television dropped his two nationally syndicated television shows. Besh stepped down from his leadership role at the company he founded earlier this week.

Eater NOLA confirmed with ticketing representatives that there has been no change to the Besh event. Alon Shaya, who is in the middle of a contentious split from the Besh Restaurant Group, is also slated to host events at the festival.

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‘Fan Favorite’ John Besh Still Welcome to Host His South Beach Wine & Food Festival Event [Grub Street]

Sexual Harassment Claims Won’t Keep Celebrity Chef John Besh Fro the South Beach Wine & Food Festival [MIAMI HERALD]