More women have reportedly come forward with sexual misconduct claims against chef Mario Batali.

More women have reportedly come forward with sexual misconduct claims against celebrity chef Mario Batali.  Eater published an extensive report on Wednesday that includes the accounts of 7 women who say Batali inappropriately touched them.  According to the site, the number of women who have made sexual misconduct allegations against the chef is now at no less than 18.  The recent claims come as the New York Police Department reportedly investigates two sexual assault accusations against Batali, both of which he denies occurred.   The first wave of reports regarding Batali's alleged misconduct came in December, notes the Hollywood Reporter. He has since been fired from his cooking show "The Chew," and removed from the daily operations of his many restaurants.   Meanwhile, Today reports that "Batali's three eateries on the Las Vegas Strip will shut down in the next 60 days, according to an announcement from Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group."