Anne Burrell Food Network post criticized by fans of late chef  

  • Anne Burrell died in June at 55 years old
  • Burrell hosted 'Worst Cooks in America' on Food Network
  • Fans call out Food Network's 'WORST CAPTION EVER' 
Chef Anne Burrell smiling while holding a dish

Chef Anne Burrell attends the Grand Tasting featuring culinary demonstrations Oct. 17, 2015, in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

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Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can find resources in your area on the National Crisis Line website or by calling 988. 

(NewsNation) — Fans of late chef Anne Burrell have called out Food Network for a recent post promoting upcoming episodes of the show she hosted.  

On Monday, the Food Network posted a photo on Instagram promoting “Worst Cooks in America.” It depicted Burrell alongside co-host Gabe Bertaccini with the caption, “It’s showtime! The recruits step up to the spotlight in the first-ever Boot Camp Culinary Pageant! Competing head-to-head, they show off their kitchen skills in hopes of being crowned Mister or Miss Boot Camp.”  

The post did not mention Burrell, who died by suicide in June. She was 55 years old at the time of her death. 

Anne Burrell fans call out network for post 

Anne Burrell
Chef Anne Burrell attends City Harvest Presents The 2025 Gala: Carnaval at Cipriani 42nd Street on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Fans of the late chef flocked to Food Network’s post, criticizing it as “tone deaf.”  

“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,” user @chlibby_823 wrote.  

Another user said it was the “WORST CAPTION EVER.”  

User @juliecordora said, “If you are going to run the show, every caption should have a respectful note about the loss of Anne.” 

Following Burrell’s death, the Food Network posted online that the Food Network family was “deeply saddened” to learn of her death.  

“Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring,” it wrote on Instagram. “Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.” 

Details on Anne Burrell’s death  

The Food Network star died from “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine and amphetamine,” according to the New York City medical examiner.  

Burrell was found unconscious and unresponsive in the shower of her Brooklyn, New York, home in June, surrounded by around 100 assorted pills, according to The New York Times.   

A 911 call report into the investigation of her death showed that someone called emergency services before 8 a.m. on June 17, concerned for her well-being. When officers arrived, they found Burrell unresponsive. 

Her final season of “Worst Cooks in America” premiered July 29.  

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