Chef Robert Irvine, Host of the food Network series “Dinner: Impossible” has lost his contract for padding his resume.
According to WFSB, Hartford Connecticut:
“Irvine had claimed that he helped design Princess Diana’s wedding cake, worked at the White House and graduated from the University of Leeds. But an article was published in the St. Petersburg Times last week that cast doubt on his claims.”
The Food Network released this statement on Friday:
“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.”
Chef Robert Irvine at Sheppard Air Force Basefor the Air Force’s 60th Anniversary Ball.
Chef Irvine also released a statement to his viewers expressing his remorse:
”I was wrong to exaggerate in statements related to my experiences in the White House and the Royal Family. I am proud of my work as part of the Guest Chef program in the White House, the opportunities I had on the Royal Yacht Britannia and my culinary accomplishments, and I should have stood on those alone, without embellishment.I remain committed and enthusiastic about my work with Food Network and other future endeavors. I am truly sorry for misleading people and misstating the facts.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.”
My thoughts on the matter:
This is the second time Food Network has let a cast member go for falsifying their resume. The first person to be let go over this situation was the favored winner of last year’s “Who Wants to be the Next Food Network Star”, Jason Adam Garcia. JAG had allowed producers and staff to believe that he was both a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom that had served in Afghanistan and a Graduate of a Culinary Institute, neither of which was true. These admissions cost him his chance at winning the contest, which was almost a given. (JAG was a veteran of Enduring Freedom, but never served in the Afghan Theater during the conflict.)
In Chef Irvine’s case the padding issues are at this point less clear. The original article that doubts his claims was posted in the St, Petersburg Times and can be found here.
The fact that he padded his resume a bit does not surprise me. What does surprise me is that the things he used to pad his resume with are such verifiable and high-profile omissions. the simple fact of the matter is that this man was qualified to do everything that he has been doing without any additions to his resume at all. The skill he brings to a kitchen are obvious. All you have to do is watch the man work. He’s a pro. I wish I could move half that fast with a knife, or had a quarter of his culinary knowledge.
But the fact remains that he lied.
Do I want to see “Dinner: Impossible” continue without Robert at the helm? No. Unfortunately Food Network really does not have another option at this point, since they have already set a precedence for terminating contracts with any member of their staff that lies on their resume. JAG was the first, but the rest of their cast must be held to the same levels of punishment, and in this case I can’t disagree with their choice,they are just doing what they have to do.
The thing that really yanks my chain about this is that both people that have had to be let go for this type of “embellishment” were former military members. This kind of behavior reflects badly on the armed forces as a whole and leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. Honestly I’m angry. I was taught in the military to be honest, to defend freedom and to be honorable in my actions. I was told that I was to fight the good fight and uphold traditions. Neither of these men has lived up to that standard and this disappoints me more than I can adequately express.
To chef Irvine I give my best wishes and hopes for the future. Unless there is a massive uprising from his fans I cannot see a way that the Food Network will renew his contract or even renegotiate it. I also feel that a public apology on air is in order. It’s only right.
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Woah…drama. I didn’t know that he had made those claims – so watching his show was not motivated by his claims. But, I do respect the Food Network’s reliance on their viewer’s trust and decision to not renew his contract. I agree with you that it was not smart to pad his resume with such verifiable and high-profile entries. Pretty sad..
I think the first foul needs to be aimed directly at FTV. Why in Hell aren’t people checked out before these incidents take place? The up and comers must have to submit some sort of a resume and/or application from the very beginning. A few simple phone calls by FTV would have squelched these incidents before they even happened. I’m in no way excusing the “stars” for their conduct but the first and biggest black mark goes against FTV in my opinion. Irvine was wrong for his embellishment; FTV was flat out irresponsibly incompetent for hiring him in the first place.
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I didn’t know that he had made such claims. I personally don’t care that he lied, it’s not going to change the fact that I love his show. I can’t imagine anyone else hosting the show, and think that if they let him go, they should cancel the show all together. Anyone oher than Irvine will be just wrong. It does sadden me that he was not confident in his own abilities and that his lies place another dark cloud over the reputations of military members. Although we of sound mind realize that he lied, the fact that he is ex-military adds to the misconception about members as a whole. I am saddened by this situation, but I do not blame food network for their course of action.
Jerry, I’m right with you on this one. I get that people feel the need to play up their accomplishments — which is pretty low to begin with. But to choose two extremely high profile positions? Um, duh? I’ve only seen the show once because I can never remember when it’s on and don’t have the patience to sit and scroll through the menu (no, we don’t use a TV guide if you can believe that…) But Patricia is so accurate in putting the blame on TFN. You would think that people would be checked out. And the person that let him through is the one who should be fired. Right?
Psychgrad,
I wasn’t aware of some, of others I just thought “Wow! That must have been interesting” I watched because I think the man has skills. I still do, unfortunately he’s got to bow to the consequences of his claims.
Patricia,
You’ve got a valid point there. Any of chef Irvine’s claims could have been checked easily.
Jeena,
I’ll check it out, but in the future please use the contact form for invitations. On-topic comments keep the discussion rolling, and that’s why we’re here, after all.
Naomia,
The fact is he lied. Regardless of his skills or talents the Food Network has to take action.
Kelly,
It was a foolish move, granted. It really is a shame to see someone so talented fall to his own hubris, but it happens. It just reminds me that heroes shoould be taken with a grain of salt.
I also agree that the staff at FN should have validated his claims. It would have halted this madness before it began
AHHAHAHHAHAHhah, you got spammed by Jeena! You’re famous now, heh. I ain’t been hit yet, sigh.
Check out Food Blog S’cool, there’s a thread there on her, if there IS a Her.
Biggles
I think he did apologise you ppl should leave HIM ALONE!!! hes still a good man and I dont think we should Judge him.I think hes great.Period.
Biggles,
I thought I was already famous! Well, infamous at least. I mean heck, I’ve already been nailed by Chard0nney, too!
And you hang out here. What more could a guy ask for than to have the king of meat hanging out at his site…
Rachaelle,
I think you missed the point. I love Robert Irvine. I think he has mad skills. I just reported the events, but at no time did I feel I was harsh on him.
Most of the readers here have expressed that they would like to see him continue on as host, as would I. This is not going to happen unless his fans and supporters bury, and I do mean bury Food Network with requests to keep him on as host.
Currently Chef Irvine has had his product line dropped from QVC and has backed out of his restaurant deal in St. Petersburgh Florida.
The simple fact of the matter is. “I’m Sorry” does not erase the fact that he lied. Trust is given freely until damaged, and my trust in this man is damaged. He’s going to have to earn it back now.
He has said he was sorry,ROBERT IRVINE IS THE BEST.Period.I feel that since he repented, all is forgiven.PERIOD.God knows we all have things going.But, he needs reinstated, and TOTALLY forgiven. I do forgive, and will keep that stance.
hello.I DIDNT MISS ANY POINT.The simple Truth is he has repented for what he did.I think he is a great Chef.Trust? yes,id trust him.IN A HEARTBEAT!its tough working the lines,iv done it.iv worked with some incredible chefs in my time.Sometimes cooking sometimes not,just doing dishes,and watching.I think he should have His fans Backing HIM UP.I will who else will? its time.think about this,Some of the best Chefs have good people backing them up.Its not easy running a kitchen,I know.Most people I know Wouldnt do it.They simply couldnt. Its too hard for them.I enjoy it.PEACE.
“Chef” Irvine got what he had coming.
I would never pad my resume or claim to be something I am not!
Rachaelle,
I’ve worked the line as well. Nobody said it was an easy position. I have not once questioned Chef Irvine’s talent.
My suggestion; Get as many people as you can to send emails or letters to Food Network. If they know a lot of people still want Chef Robert to host the show they may reconsider.
DocChuck,
I wouldn’t either. As a matter of fact, I have to shorten my skillset for most resumes to keep them under the suggested two page limit. When you’ve worked in the web development industry for over 20 years as I have you build up a lot of different skills and accomplishments.
I think it’s best to be honest at all times, even though that has gotten me in my share of trouble as well. ;)
Well Roberts friends have Been moved.I wasReally very upset,since he did what he did.Yet I remember what the Good Book says.Forgive.Yup,I forgive Him.100%and then some.If we Judge him,then we have to ask ourselves questions.Look I still think Hes great,BIG TIME.He DID apolgise ALREADY.IM SHURE he feels really BAD.I dont believe a PUBLIC apology is in order here.He will make it right,with God,and all of us.That should be good eonough.HE WILL DO IT.Lets stand behind HIM Comfort Him,now.PEACE
HUMMMM DOC CHUCK,lets see…think about what u just SAID.little harsh I think, we need to think about this some more.
Well,I imagine he feels really bad right now.Our conchience can really beat us up,and im shure Robert has made things right,with the Almighty,and He will with us.My family had an old saying.Never kick a man when he is down.My husband, who is also a Chef,has one too.Never criticise a man, tillyou walk a mile in HIS MOCCASINS.lets take that walk, and stand with Robert,whose with me?
Wow, that’s pretty crazy drama going on. He did falsify his resume though, so he got what was coming. Crazy though…
hey, drama..I asked a question,NOT JUDGEMENT I ASKED to see if we can HELP HIM. CAN I GET SOME ONE HERE who will/help CHEF ROBERT? NOT JUDGE HIM this is supposed to be the season FOR FORGIVENESS.HOW BOUT IT,this isnt crazy,its the simple Truth.
Rachelle,
While I appreciate the obvious enthusiasm you show on this subject, you seem to be neglecting a simple fact. That fact, quite frankly is that other people are allowed to disagree with your opinion.
I have stated in the past that I will not allow anyone to belittle, mock (in any way other than in good humor that is understood to be just that) or use cross or derogatory language to anyone who has been kind enough to leave a comment here.
These people have graciously given of their time to add to a discussion. By default I expect these discussions to be carried out with respect for the beliefs and opinions of all involved. If you feel that you must be derogatory, please do so somewhere else.
If you feel that you can be respectful, you may of course continue in this discussion. If you feel that you cannot, or you choose to be anything but respectful to the other readers here, I will be obligated to ban you from commenting here. This is not an action I enjoy taking and I would prefer not to have to resort to it.
Each and every one of my readers, including you, are important. Many have become almost like family and many more have become friends.
In this spirit I have an obligation to ensure that discussions are handled in a respectful and civil manner, please refrain from any attacks on any readers. You may disagree with something that I have said, but another attack on anyone else will result in permanent action.
Thank you.
I love Robert Irvine’s show. His on camera presence and what he accomplishes are great and he adds alot of fun to it. The very sad thing is that once someone is caught in a lie, it really does put into question everything else surrounding his credibility. Very sad really. If you’re good – have confidence in your abilities – don’t lie to claw your way to the top – there is a karmic law in the universe.
Love Robert and what ever is said some have done the same to get in a company or school or what ever. Robert still have great ideas and for a sexy man like he is, I would hire him as a privet chef to take care of all my events and dinner party. Love him always, but sorry it had to end that way.
Robert is one of the best chefs in the world. Who cares if he lied? Nobody got hurt, people make mistakes, move on. What a dumb move to not renew Robert’s contract for Dinner Impossible… The new Chef Simon simply can’t compare with Robert.
Leave the man alone. He’s absolutely HOT and the accent makes me melt. We’ve ALL padded our resumes at one time or another…why should he be held to a higher standard just because he’s on National TV? I can think of a few jobs I’d like to give him… ;)