News of Chef Michael Scelfo’s New Restaurant Josephine Ignites Major Industry Backlash | Eater Boston

"The planned new restaurant set to open inside a Somerville hotel became the immediate flashpoint for renewed scrutiny after reporting about the chef’s involvement sparked a deluge of industry criticism. Former employees’ 2020 allegations of sexual harassment, racism and other mistreatment at the chef’s restaurants were central to the backlash, and the chef’s 2020 staff letter pledging zero tolerance was widely viewed as insufficient. Responses among hospitality professionals were divided: some publicly condemned the project in support of workers who spoke out, while the incoming bar director for the new spot defended the chef, recounting personal accommodation during a family medical crisis and warning about the impact on hundreds of staff livelihoods. The chef declined to comment on the record for the most recent coverage, and at least one outlet pursued reporting on the earlier allegations but did not publish a follow-up." - Erika Adams