Chef Michael Chiarello arrested for DUI, drug possession

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Celeb chef Michael Chiarello arrested

Features & Faces: Food Network star busted in early morning hours for DUI, possession of controlled substance

Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drug possession in Napa County.

The California Highway Patrol says Chiarello was arrested after his Porsche Boxster was stopped around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday on Silverado Trail. The area is a couple of miles from Yountville, where Chiarello has a restaurant, Bottega.

Chiarello was booked and released on $5,000 bail reports the East Bay Times.

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Terry Fahn, a spokesman for the chef, released a statement saying Chiarello was embarrassed by the incident and has apologized to his family, friends and business colleagues. He does, however, intend to fight misdemeanor charges.

“Michael Chiarello disputes the misdemeanor charges filed against him. Although he is embarrassed and apologizes to his family, friends and business colleagues about this occurrence, he intends to vigorously challenge the misdemeanor charges filed against him.”

Chiarello is known for his "Easy Entertaining" show on the Food Network. He has also appeared on Bravo's "Top Chef" and "Top Chef Masters."

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He was arrested days after settling a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by two former servers at his San Francisco restaurant, Coqueta. According to the complaint filed in San Francisco Superior Court, the servers allege that Chiarello and other staff members routinely made crude comments, including homophobic and ethnic slurs, and inappropriately touched employees.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.