NEW YORK — Celebrity chef Mario Batali has been kicked off ABC's "The Chew" amid allegations from several women that he touched them inappropriately.

ABC said that while it was not aware of any inappropriate behavior involving him and the show, the network says "we are committed to a safe work environment and his past behavior violates our standards of conduct."

Batali apologized in a statement Monday, and said that "much of the behavior described does, in fact, match up with ways I have acted." His representative did not return a message seeking comment Friday. Batali, who has appeared on "The Chew" since its debut six years ago, oversees several restaurants in several cities. The Food Network had planned to relaunch his show "Molto Mario" next year, but said Monday it would be put on hold.

Tribute show

to honor Elton John

NEW YORK — Sam Smith, Miley Cyrus and Coldplay's Chris Martin are set to honor Elton John at a tribute concert next month.

 The Recording Academy announced Friday that it will tape "Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute" at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Jan. 30, two days after the 2018 Grammy Awards.

 The concert will broadcast at a later date on CBS. The Grammys will air live from Madison Square Garden on Jan. 28.

 Others set to honor John onstage include John Legend, Miranda Lambert, Kesha, Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Maren Morris. John will also perform.

'Last Jedi' rakes in

$45M opening night

LOS ANGELES — "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is off to a death star-sized start at the box office. Disney says Friday that the eighth installment in the space franchise has earned an estimated $45 million from Thursday night showings.

It's the second-highest Thursday night preview tally following the $57 million start for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which kicked off this modern trilogy in 2015.

"The Last Jedi" is expected to net around $200 million throughout the weekend, which would make it the fourth-biggest opening of all time.