Food Network Host Anne Burrell Says She's Never Hidden Her Sexuality

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No celebrity wants to be outed by a third party. The choice of when and where to own one’s sexuality is an intensely personal one. Last week, it seemed like respected chef and Food Network starlet Anne Burrell was denied that right by former Top Chef judge Ted Allen when he told radio listeners she was dating a woman, but if you take it from Burrell, she wasn’t outed at all.

Speaking to Page Six, Burrell’s rep released a statement saying Mario Batali’s sous chef on Iron Chef America has never hidden her multi-year relationship with a woman, and just because it wasn’t addressed publicly prior to Allen’s comment doesn’t mean it was meant to stay in the closet.

After news first broke, reports began to emerge that Burrell, upon being informed, left the Old Homestead Steakhouse where she was filming to deal with the situation. Given her partner has refused to be identified, it sounds like that may have been more for her benefit than Burrell’s. Being entirely open requires two people when a relationship is involved; so, it’s likely Burrell didn’t feel outed but instead worried for her partner.

Regardless, the newfound openness will likely be a good thing for Burrell and Food Network. It’s no secret the gay community has taken to the network, and it should be a net positive to finally have a host forward about her sexuality. Pop Blend wishes Burrell and her mystery girlfriend nothing but the best with their relationship in the future.

Mack Rawden
Editor In Chief

Mack Rawden is the Editor-In-Chief of CinemaBlend. He first started working at the publication as a writer back in 2007 and has held various jobs at the site in the time since including Managing Editor, Pop Culture Editor and Staff Writer. He now splits his time between working on CinemaBlend’s user experience, helping to plan the site’s editorial direction and writing passionate articles about niche entertainment topics he’s into. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English (go Hoosiers!) and has been interviewed and quoted in a variety of publications including Digiday. Enthusiastic about Clue, case-of-the-week mysteries, a great wrestling promo and cookies at Disney World. Less enthusiastic about the pricing structure of cable, loud noises and Tuesdays.