Anne Burrell Food Network Announcement Branded 'Tone-Deaf' After Death

Newsweek

7 hours ago

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The Food Network is facing criticism online following its recent social media post featuring late chef Anne Burrell.
Newsweek contacted a Food Network spokesperson via email for comment on Tuesday.
The Context
Burrell, 55—who was the longtime host of Food Network's Worst Cooks in America—was found dead at her home in Brooklyn, New York on June 17. A New York City Police Department spokesperson told Newsweek at the time that "EMS responded and pronounced the female deceased at the scene" following a 911 call alerting authorities of a possible cardiac arrest.
The celebrity chef's cause of death was "suicide," according to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Chef Anne Burrell presents onstage during Food Network and Cooking Channel's New York City Wine and Food Festival at Pier 94 on October 13, 2018 in New York City.
Chef Anne Burrell presents onstage during Food Network and Cooking Channel's New York City Wine and Food Festival at Pier 94 on October 13, 2018 in New York City.for NYCWFF
What To Know
On Monday, the Food Network posted teaser photos with Burrell on Instagram to promote the latest episode of Worst Cooks in America. Fans argued, however, that the caption was "tone-deaf" for not mentioning the spunky television personality.
"It's showtime! The recruits step up to the spotlight in the first-ever Boot Camp Culinary Pageant!" it reads. "Competing head-to-head, they show off their kitchen skills in hopes of being crowned Mister or Miss Boot Camp. Watch a new episode of #WorstCooks TONIGHT at 9|8c!"
Season 29 of Worst Cooks in America debuted on July 28 and is Burrell's final season.
She rose to fame as a sous chef on Iron Chef America, and hosted her own Emmy-nominated series Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. On Worst Cooks in America, the New York native mentored amateur cooks.
What People Are Saying
Instagram user @juliecordora wrote in a note with 917 likes: "If you are going to run the show, every caption should have a respectful note about the loss of Anne."
@chlibby_823 said in a comment with 574 likes: "Another tone deaf post and still no tribute like she deserves. It's obvious you haven't listened to any of the thousands of posts from her fans. Very disappointing."
@alyssalaurenarndt remarked in a response with 430 likes: "This is so distasteful. Have some care and decency for Anne and her family."
@shannonekeeley said: "This is such an odd caption, in my opinion. At least acknowledge Anne and her legacy in the caption- this is not an 'everyday' type of season premiere and Food Network knows that."
@kileydashiell stated in a note: "WORST CAPTION EVER."
@markymarkntuc posted in a reply: "Wow who's running your social media? I'll apply for the job with zero experience and still do a better job. Have some class."
@sherrieoh said: "It's shocking to see @foodnetwork air the final season without recognizing @chefanneburrell contributions. The omission in the caption is particularly notable. It's disappointing to say the least."
Say Yes to the Dress star Randy Fenoli wrote: "I miss my friend."
On Facebook, other fans defended the Food Network's decision to air the series.
Melissa Thompson said in a post with 165 positive reactions: "It is bittersweet watching knowing Chef Anne is no longer here but I am enjoying seeing her doing what she loved one last time."
Britani Joanne Lake shared: "I'll definitely be watching in honor of Anne. no need to cry about 'not watching it.' that's your prerogative."
Eric Schlegel wrote: "I've never experienced this. Wanting so bad to see something and dreading it at the same time. To see this last gift Anne left us but knowing it's the last. No one will ever fill that void she left. We love you Anne."
What Happens Next
New episodes of Worst Cooks in America Season 29 with Burrell air Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on the Food Network.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org