Earlier this week, Rachael Ray shared a sneak peek of the latest episode from her FYI network series, which features her Italian recipes cooked in her own Tuscan villa. However, the comment section quickly filled with concern.
In the clip, where she regaled her audience with memories of the late Tony Bennett while preparing his favorite meal, osso buco, Ray’s speech and appearance worried viewers.
“I think it’s a mini stroke,” one user wrote. “Part of her mouth seems sinking. When was this???? I haven’t seen her this makes me so sad.” Another person chimed in, writing, “I love you but are you ok? I’m seriously concerned.”
“One corner of her mouth is much lower than the other. The nurse in me would have her go into be checked for any side effect from a Stroke or Bells Paly,” a retired nurse wrote. “Please make sure to get checked? Life is just too short!”
However, just as quick as some where to diagnose the star, others offered unwavering support—and called for privacy.
“She got emotional talking about her friend is all,” a fan wrote. “She’s aging like the rest of us. Maybe she has a medical condition, maybe she is on medication. Regardless, no need to be mean,” another fan wrote. Other supporters simply called it “not our business.”
This isn’t, however, the first time Ray has faced potentially false rumors about her health. Over 15 years ago, rumors circulated that she was undergoing surgery for throat cancer, which her representative was quick to shut down.
“Rachael is the picture of health,” her rep, Charlie Dougiello, said in 2008, per The New York Post. “She is having very minor surgery to remove a benign cyst on her vocal cord. It’s a common in-and-out procedure that she will have in early December and it will not adversely affect any of her daytime show or Food Network tapings.”
Ray herself has not commented on the controversy, nor has another rep spoken out or responded to media outlets.
The comment section on her video from Friday has been turned off, however, and fans have continued to express their support and concern on previous Instagram posts.
Megan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.
