The Great American Baking Show and Johnny Iuzzini will no longer be part of ABC's winter recipe of programming following allegations of sexual harassment facing the competition show judge.

ABC has decided not to air remaining episodes of the series and cut ties with the chef. The third season of The Great American Baking Show recently premiered on ABC Dec. 7.

"In light of allegations that recently came to our attention, ABC has ended its relationship with Johnny Iuzzini and will not be airing the remainder of The Great American Baking Show episodes," a spokesperson for the network said in a statement issued to USA TODAY Thursday. "ABC takes matters such as those described in the allegations very seriously and has come to the conclusion that they violate our standards of conduct. This season’s winner will be announced at a later date. Episodes of The Great Christmas Light Fight and CMA Country Christmas will take its place this week and next.”

Iuzzini said he was upset with the network's decision not to air the show's remaining episodes in a statement issued to USA TODAY Thursday by his rep, Lonny Sweet.

"While I understand ABC felt pressured to make this difficult decision, I am extremely disappointed and saddened that the show will not continue to air as scheduled," the statement reads. "I feel terrible for the bakers, fans of the show, the cast and everyone else involved in the production. I stand by my apology for some unprofessional behavior 8-10 years ago, but the sexual harassment allegations and many other reports against me were sensationalized and simply not true.



"My friends, family and those close to me can attest that over the last several years I have worked hard on improving myself and made many positive contributions to the industry in which I dedicated my life," he continues. "Nonetheless, I will use this experience as another opportunity in my life to listen, learn and continue growing as a friend, family member, chef, mentor and as a human being."

In November, Mic published a report with accusations of sexual harassment from four female former employees of fine-dining restaurant Jean-Georges who reported to Iuzzini, 43, between 2009 to 2011. The women wished to withhold their identities.

The women accused Iuzzini of repeatedly putting tongues in an accuser's ear and demanding shoulder rubs. According to Mic, one accuser says Iuzzini "had a habit of touching female employees’ rear ends with items in the kitchen — knives, long vegetables and spoons — in a suggestive manner."

In a statement to Mic, Iuzzini described many of the allegations as inaccurate and said "none were meant to hurt people."

On Tuesday, Mic published a follow-up piece with accounts from four additional women accusing him of inappropriate behavior. Iuzzini told the outlet these claims were false.

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