Fans outraged at Food Network's 'disrespectful' act towards Anne Burrell after she died aged 55
Topics: Food and Drink, Celebrity, Film and TV, Viral
Emily Brown
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Daniel Zuchnik
Topics: Food and Drink, Celebrity, Film and TV, Viral
Fans of the popular Food Network chef Anne Burrell have been left disappointed and angry by the channel's attempt to pay tribute to the star following her death aged 55.
Burrell passed away at her home in New York on June 17, with the New York City Police Department having since opened an investigation into her death.
According to an internal document viewed by The New York Times, Burrell was 'discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills'. A 911 call prompted emergency medical workers to rush to the scene, but Burrell was pronounced dead.
Prior to her passing, Burrell had become known through her appearances on a range of Food Network shows, including Worst Cooks in America and Chef Wanted with Anne Burell.
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The Food Network initially paid tribute to the chef with a post on Instagram, in which she was described as 'a remarkable person and culinary talent'.
"[Anne was] teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring," the tribute continued. "Our thoughts are with Anne’s family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss."
One week on, the Food Network followed up with another Instagram post announcing that it would be celebrating her life with 'a special selection of episodes that will highlight her extraordinary talent as a chef, competitor, and teacher'.
The post announced that the tribute would begin at 10pm ET on June 25; a revelation that left many fans disappointed.
Instagram users zeroed in on the time Burrell's episodes would begin to air, with one writing: "10 PM? That's no good. We can do without watching Guy for a day. Please give Chef Anne the celebration she deserves."
"I’m surprised you guys haven’t been playing reruns since this happened," another wrote, adding: "She definitely deserves a better timeslot than 10 PM."
Other viewers suggested Burrell's tribute should have lasted longer than a few episodes, with one comment reading: "The time slot is pretty terrible but I’d hope for a long running marathon of her best work on competition shows and Secrets Of A Restaurant Chef!"
Though fans weren't impressed with the dedicated timeslot for the tribute, the Food Network did also assure that Burrell would be back on our screens next month in the brand-new season of Worst Cooks in America, which features Anne’s final appearance as mentor.
The final season featuring Burrell will kick off on 28 July at 9pm.
UNILAD has reached out to Warner Bros. Discovery for comment.