Friday, February 29
Robert Irvine's Contract Will Not be Renewed
Well Robert, this was one mission you weren't able to weasel out of.
Brooke Johnson, president, Food Network, today announced that Robert Irvine's contract would not be renewed for future seasons. This comes on the heels of the network's investigation into the alleged embellishments to his resume.
Here's the full statement by Brooke Johnson:
We looked into the situation and found that, as Robert has already admitted, there were some embellishments and inaccuracies in his resume. The few and minor incidents of the inclusion of these embellishments into ‘Dinner Impossible’ have been removed. The show is, and has always been, completely accurate in the depiction of the cooking challenges faced by Robert. We will continue airing both old shows and the new season of programs currently in production. We have not renewed Robert's contract for future seasons but will fulfill our contractual obligations. We rely on the trust that our viewers have in the accuracy of the information we present, and Robert challenged that trust. We appreciate Robert's remorse about his actions, and we can revisit this decision at the end of the production cycle, but for now we will be looking for a replacement host."
Robert Irvine Statement:
"I was wrong to exaggerate in statements related to my experiences regarding the Royal Family. I am proud of my work while serving in the Royal Navy and on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, also as part of the Guest Chef program in the White House with the United States Navy, in addition to my culinary accomplishments. I should have stood on those accomplishments alone, without embellishment. I remain committed and enthusiastic about my work with Food Network and other future endeavors. I am truly sorry for the errors in my judgment. To all my family, friends and loyal fans, I will work tirelessly to regain your trust and continue to use my show and life to benefit the less fortunate."
**************************
Interesting to see that Johnson says they can "revisit this decision at the end of the production cycle." For some reason this reminds me of the whole Larry Craig "I will resign" thing, only to have him end up NOT resigning once things calmed down. Not saying that's how things will pan out... just interesting they threw that line in there.
[Photo via TMZ]
Brooke Johnson, president, Food Network, today announced that Robert Irvine's contract would not be renewed for future seasons. This comes on the heels of the network's investigation into the alleged embellishments to his resume.
Here's the full statement by Brooke Johnson:
We looked into the situation and found that, as Robert has already admitted, there were some embellishments and inaccuracies in his resume. The few and minor incidents of the inclusion of these embellishments into ‘Dinner Impossible’ have been removed. The show is, and has always been, completely accurate in the depiction of the cooking challenges faced by Robert. We will continue airing both old shows and the new season of programs currently in production. We have not renewed Robert's contract for future seasons but will fulfill our contractual obligations. We rely on the trust that our viewers have in the accuracy of the information we present, and Robert challenged that trust. We appreciate Robert's remorse about his actions, and we can revisit this decision at the end of the production cycle, but for now we will be looking for a replacement host."
Robert Irvine Statement:
"I was wrong to exaggerate in statements related to my experiences regarding the Royal Family. I am proud of my work while serving in the Royal Navy and on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, also as part of the Guest Chef program in the White House with the United States Navy, in addition to my culinary accomplishments. I should have stood on those accomplishments alone, without embellishment. I remain committed and enthusiastic about my work with Food Network and other future endeavors. I am truly sorry for the errors in my judgment. To all my family, friends and loyal fans, I will work tirelessly to regain your trust and continue to use my show and life to benefit the less fortunate."
**************************
Interesting to see that Johnson says they can "revisit this decision at the end of the production cycle." For some reason this reminds me of the whole Larry Craig "I will resign" thing, only to have him end up NOT resigning once things calmed down. Not saying that's how things will pan out... just interesting they threw that line in there.
[Photo via TMZ]
Labels: food network, Robert Irvine
posted by jacob @ 3:02 PM
37 Comments:
Ouch! Hopefully none of FN other talents lied on their resumes or they'll be sweating bullets now!
~Angie
Ouch! Hopefully none of FN other talents lied on their resumes or they'll be sweating bullets now!
~Angie
I really thought Irvine would get sent to Dean Tuschman's office for a tongue lashing or a visit to Vice Principal Susies office for admonishment, but I guess they are covering their bases.
I suppose they want to gauge ratings and see if Irvine gets any offers from other networks.
Too bad, cause his show was better than a lot of the nonsense FN airs.
He does look rather dopey in this TMZ pic though.
Oh man I feel bad for the FN. How are they going to find another bad show to fill this slot of this one? They already have so many...
It's all about money in the end.
"He does look rather dopey in this TMZ pic though."
It's an expression that says, "Wha'? Who? ME?"
- Ouch! Hopefully none of FN other talents lied on their resumes or they'll be sweating bullets now!
Paging Aunt Sandy, paging Aunt Sandy!
Well the thing is, a lot of us were pretty hard on Jag during TNFNS. I still agree he needed to be kicked out for lying. But if they do that to HIM, can they let somebody big get away with it?
However, I think if it were Giada or Rachel or even Paula, they'd have a different standard and react differently.
Next Dinner Impossible: You have 5 hours to feed Tuschie and Susie-Q and get your job back. You yourself will be eating crow.
I know this sounds terrible, but he really didn't have the face for television anyway.
Sorry, but it's true!
Interesting - tonight (Sat. night) FN is showing 3 hours of Dinner:Impossible. I love it but I wonder if it was planned or an episode burn off.
I was watching the episode airing right now (the Maryland Renaissance Faire one) and caught an edit. He's being given his instructions at the beginning, told he has to feed the king & queen and their court... he says "the king and queen won't be any problem", then the closed captioning adds "I've done that before," but this second statement was edited out of the audio.
Tonight's marathon could be a shameless ratings grabber - they figure people heard about this 15-minute scandal on the news so they will rush over and watch 5 hours of the show - sad that FN makes some of its decisions like that.
I for one have never liked DI - Robert is a good chef but to me it's just too freakin' irresponsible: Let's have this party with 200 people, planned months in advance but let's leave the menu until just hours before, with a chance of failure and pissing 200 people off. A good chef is prepared for emergencies but also plans well. Yeah, I know it's entertainment but as someone with deadlines all the time, I just wince at how irresponsible it would be to throw a huge party yet leave the food part up in the air like that. Ina would NEVER do that.
While I certainly do not approve of “embellishing your resume, why is all the trashing beind directed at Robert himself?
It has to bumbling incompetence of the highest order on the part of food network to not actually check out his fantastic claims before featuring him on their channel the way they did. Whichever departments was responsible for that sort of thing—talk about your colossal blunders. What a bunch of tools.
The second good thing out of FoodNetwork (the first is Alton Brown) and they are going to can him for lying.
Jeez, what "chef" hasn't embellished his/her skills. Aren't most top chefs in love with themselves, their "top" skills and make the best food in town????
Give me a break FoodNetwork...your shows are pretty lousy this year. Why don't you get rid of Simply Delicious (whatever) with Ingrid "Charo" Hoffman, or maybe not show what Rachael Ray can do with food for your pets. Good God, do I really need to cook special foods for my pets when half the time I am too damn tired cooking for myself??
Why isn't your network talent dept scouting for some better shows and leaving the good ones on?
Okay... slap Robert on the wrist and smack his ass for his "embellishments" but no one can deny that he is one hell of a chef and an absolute engaging talent on the screen in not only Dinner: Impossible but every other time he has appeared on other FN shows. He is great.
Food Network needs to be keeping the good talent they have instead of renewing contracts with less then stellar talent like George Duran ----
Irvine is fantastic on screen and to lose him would be a major shame. He's been slapped and if they want to punish him more make him play helper on some Paula Deen episodes where she makes him move furniture all day long or makes him carry the dogs from room to room.
Well, you know, Paula Deen and Robert always tried for that 'Buddy Buddy'/'Sexual Tension' thing on the screen (Iron Chef: Dessert Battle) so I am interested to see if his little friend sticks with him through this. That's where we will truly see the two faced side of FN.
Also, you have to give FN a break. They were just starting to learn how to make money of their people and then this happens. Oh well, good luck with the Brits.
When Tuschman or Suzie Q or any other FN hacks win an Emmmy ( which may be never ) then I might respect them a bit more. But till then, they continue to fill the FN airwaves with such crap and personalities that aren't even fit for regional cable TV.
Sure they hit and stick with a few, but most are crammed down our throats as the epitome of Food culture.
Irvine has it no doubt. Too bad he had to drum these little lies up.Cause I'm sure the FN would find some other way to put him on a pedestal and to glorify him.
FN executives makes me wanna puke sometimes, and this is just another example. I'd like to cuff Tuschman upside his head for being an idiot.
I think Jake could do a better job.
He embellished his accomplishments...who hasn't. I enjoy his show and his energy. He has apologized, I think he should be given a new contract. Everyone deserves a second chance....I say give Robert his second chance.
I can't say I'm shocked...anymore.
It would have been more ethical for him to admitted it up front, and then Bob Tuschman, et. al., could have decided whether he was worth the trouble. Try the following for reaction from Britain(cut and paste into address line if this doesn't work directly):
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=524542&in_page_id=1811
Dinner Impossible is a good show, sorta fun, but totally works with Robert-i can't believe how big and goofy he is-Irvine. It would be a different show with a different chef.
Please, FN, keep him. Make his next shows about the things he has lied about... like serving the president, making a cake for the queen, etc.
Ya, and you are right, Simply Delicious is terrible.
He should be fired permanently. Embellishments and inaccuracies, I think they meant to say outright lies. Makes me think less of Food Network that they don't just cut their ties with this guy.
Not everyone embellishes his or her resume. Some of us are getting ahead with what we actually did.
Keep Robert Irvine. If Oprah can have that fake Dr. Phil, the Food Network should let him stay. If embellishments on resumes are a problem for the Food Network,it should research their many resumes more efficiently.
Call me cynical, but I find it very difficult to believe that the FN didn't know all about him before he was hired. Why would any network put any person on TV without verifying the dudes credentials?
Did the FN help with the embellishments? I don't know, but it is a valid question to ask, especially when I consider the original opening to DI.
And I thought the Chefographies were a joke.
I never liked DI. Irvine's show isn't live. So as far as I am concerned, there is no way to know for sure how heavily edited it is and if he is really accomplishing the task in the allotted time.
His food could be good, or it could be pure crap.
I am watching the FN less and less. I don't like being talked down to, and I don't like being treated like a moron.
The FN needs to realize, that a significant portion of its audience has been around the block a time or two. I am hoping they are being straight forward and honest with all there shows, but I have my doubts.
It is a sad situation but Robert I thought, did and oustanding job on the show. His personality really firt the part of the host. I wonder who they would replace? A good choice would be the chef from Hell's Kitchen. Just food for thought!
I'd like to send an email to food network regarding Robert Irvine, but finding an email address is like MISSION Impossible. Can anyone help me out?
Thank you.
Would you want your daughter - sister - mother - married to this guy??? NO WAY!!! Put him next to Flay or Morimoto to cook - he's be crying like a little girl. He's not a real chef and he knows it- hence the lies.
Ms. Johnson, President of FN states, "We rely on the trust that our viewers have in the accuracy of the information we present, and Robert challenged that trust." Then she states, they will revisit their decision!!!??? WHAT? Wishy Washy - Flip Floppy!! Go figure why he could do this - he prob. always got away with it and could act this way - never any consequences - now momma is gonna let him get away with it again? Nope sorry - lost my trust.
email FN: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/about_us/text/0,1904,FOOD_9777_62448,00.html
It TV people!!!
Who gives a crap about what he claimed, so what!
I'am sure everyone at some point in their life has embellished their life experience.
I had a dinner party for the Pope once...
of course, he was a no show. The invitation was never mailed, but we had a good time. I thought Chef Robert was very entertaining, and for those who have suggested that the show may be faked in other ways... I suppose the next thing you'll be telling me is that there's really no Santa Claus!
Yeah, 99.9% of everything on TV is editted and Photoshopped - just like the moon landing... (kidding)
Frankly, I don't care so much about his resume. We watch FN for the quality of the shows, chefs, ingredients, and the overall entertainment of the shows. Robert brought this to Dinner Impossible. He was the only chef to take on these types of challenges and did an incredible job of it. I hope FN brings Robert back on some capacity. If not, I am sure some other network will, and I will be watching.
I think the old show was better than this one .. pretty hardcore firing him.... couldn't just make an apology? our loss..your loss it was a good show... new one? forgettable....
My question is why were his credentials not verified. As a major network of television industry, you'd think they would do an extensive background check.
Someone on your staff needs a calendar, Get it before he postes a story on March 32, :))
This post is from 2008!
Robert Irvine is a talented chef who made a mistake. He admits that he embellished and that really should be enough. Embellishment on resumes is done all the time and its not right but the man has talent and a wonderful career. Don't take it away from him.
I hope that you have not ended Dinner Impossible. Contrary to many comments I think it is one of your best shows. While I don't condone the lying, I like Robert Irvine. I'm sick of seeing the Neeleys- you can only bar-be-que much. Your choices of some of your "stars" is really questionable to me as to entertainment. Such as Rachel Ray!! Dinner Impossible is something completely different that your normal same old same fare. Keep the show!!
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