BOSTON (WHDH) - The assault case against celebrity chef Mario Batali is expected back in Boston Municipal Court on Friday.
Batali, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecent assault and battery on May 24, does not have to appear inside the courtroom for the hearing.
A woman accused the 58-year-old of groping and forcibly kissing her repeatedly without consent after he offered to take a selfie with her at a Back Bay restaurant in March 2017, according to prosecutors.
Batali could face up to 2½ years in jail, if convicted. He would also have to register as a sex offender.
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