Rachael Ray‘s latest social media post has caused another massive stir amongst her fanbase, with many expressing concern for her well-being after watching the chef’s Mother’s Day video on Instagram.
She looked back on her time as a young woman with little money, explaining how her mom “showed [her] how to make something outta nothing” and how she took that to heart, never asking for money so as not to worry her.
Eventually, she did a show called 40 Dollars a Day, but back then, that was her budget for the whole week.
However, as she detailed all of this, fans took note of what many described as an “unrecognizable” appearance.
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“I don’t recognize Rachel 😮,” one comment read, as someone else asked, “What’s wrong Rachel? Are you ok? I didn’t recognize you.”
“I swear if I did not see her name…i would not have known who she was,” another explained. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who felt like this.”
Others speculated a variety of causes for her apparent change in appearance and a perceived “effect [on her] speech.”
Some begged for the TV personality to address whatever was going on, with one directly addressing her in the comments: “Rachel. Are you okay? You don’t look well,” they said.
“It’s concerning….she doesn’t look well,” one commented..
Even more jumped to her defense, though, suggesting those who couldn’t say anything nice move along.
“I’m so appalled and embarrassed of how many adults here are attacking her…” one began. “We have no idea what she’s been through exactly…”
“…Health is a gift, let’s be kind or silent. We never know what people are going through,” someone else wrote, in part.
“just stop,” another snapped. “You should never comment on someone’s appearance, especially if you don’t have a personal intimate relationship with them it’s none of your business.”
“she’s 56. It’s been over 20 years since the height of her career. People age,” another defended, pointing out that “Macaulay Culkin isn’t an 8 year old anymore either.”
“We love you hope you are doing better❤️,” someone else wrote in support.
Back in September, the Food Network star posted a video that elicited similar concerns as fans noted that one side of her mouth appeared lower than the other and her speech sounded slurred, worrying that she may have suffered a stroke.
At first, Ray’s team offered “no comment” regarding the speculation, but the following month she broke her silence—sort of. While she didn’t address the above directly, she did admit to suffering multiple falls in recent weeks, which had prevented her from doing some of her favorite activities.
Related: Rachael Ray Fans Mourn the ‘End of an Era’ as Food Network Star ‘Officially Signs Off’