Rachael Ray Slams Critics Who Say She Left the Spotlight: ‘I Don’t Know What They’re Talking About’

Rachael Ray is setting the record straight on her whereabouts.

The famed former Food Network star, 57, has seemingly been staying out of the limelight for a bit on the heels of concerning incidents — with many critics online believing she’s gone MIA ever since.

“I don’t know what they’re talking about,” she told Us Weekly on Friday, October 17, at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival’s Burger Bash. “I work my ass off all the time. And I never left.”

“I’ve been working constantly,” the 30-Minute Meals host explained. “From the time I left the daytime show, I started writing. I write around the clock, and I produce shows with my friends around the clock.”

“So I don’t know why people thought I left,” the Rachael Ray in Tuscany star added.

Ray’s comments come after several incidents in which fans were left alarmed.

In May, fans were perplexed when she shared a video on Instagram where her speech was slurred and her mouth appeared lopsided.

This past July, Ray also sparked concern when she stepped out for an event for her alcohol brand, Staple Gin, where she exhibited “bizarre behavior,” according to Page Six.

Her life in front of the cameras has since slowed down a bit, as her eponymous talk show ended in 2023 after 17 seasons. However, she has done more work behind-the-scenes, establishing her production company Free Food Studios last year.

The Daytime Emmy award winner is also still active on social media, where she shares snaps of herself whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen, making podcast and talk show appearances, and spending time with her dog and with her husband, John Cusimano.