Mike Isabella's former restaurant Graffiato in Gallery Place, D.C.

Mike Isabella's former restaurant Graffiato in Gallery Place, D.C.

After D.C. celebrity chef Mike Isabella was accused of sexual harassment by one of his former restaurant managers earlier this year, he settled the lawsuit against him for an undisclosed sum and agreed to adopt policies to encourage a work environment “free of sexual harassment.” But in the summer that followed, his restaurants, which Isabella retained control over, suffered from lower turnout rates. Four of his establishments have since closed, including his first restaurant in Gallery Place, Graffiato, and his most recent venture, Isabella Eatery in the Tysons Galleria mall.

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, stories of sexual harassment surfaced across the region, from within Washington’s restaurant industry to Capitol Hill. But what happens after a story is told? How should Washingtonians grapple with alleged perpetrators seeking to move on with their lives and careers?

Kojo discusses the fallout from the local #MeToo movement, and whether justice can truly be achieved in the court system, or in the court of public opinion.

Guests

  • Jessica Sidman Food Editor, Washingtonian; @jsidman
  • Pam Vogel Fellow, Media Matters

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