Brittanny posted on her Instagram story about her personal experiences with sexual harassment and addressing the controversy. Glad to see some of the cheftestants from this season addressing this and not just ignoring it. Thank you Brittanny.

Screenshot link: https://imgur.com/a/PVWch1Y

Full Text:

I have been working in the hospitality industry since I was 14 years old. Throughout that time I have been the victim of sexual harassment and sexual assault multiple times, even as a minor. I have been coerced into uncomfortable sexual encounters, I have listened to a former chef rate the bodies of our front of house staff, I have had my body touched and commented on too many times to count. The sad thing is, I do not think my experiences are unique.

These things happen in our industry all the time and all too often go unreported. I’m ashamed that for the most part, I never reported the majority of these incidents that happened to me out of fear of reprisal and internalized victim blaming. I thought it was my fault. I am proud of the women who are standing up now and calling out these behaviors and I stand with them. I believe victims should be heard.

The reason more women don’t come forward to report sexual harassment or discrimination is because of the culture of silence and shame among leaders in this industry. I refuse to be a part of that silence.

Being a part of Top Chef this year has been a blessing and an honor, it brought me out from the dark of the pandemic and introduced me to a truly magical group of people who work very hard to make an incredible show. The finale last night and the controversy surrounding it has cast a cloud over that experience.

I hope that Bravo uses their platform to spread awareness about sexual harassment and discrimination so that more victims feel that they can share their stories and that chefs and culinary leaders realize that their actions have repercussions.

ETA: Kiki also posted on her page and hasn’t been seen hanging out with Gabe while the season aired so props to that