In a post on her social media account, the 'One Day at a Time' alum reveals that the network ghosted her before she was let go from her co-hosting role on the show.
- Jan 23, 2024
AceShowbiz - Valerie Bertinelli shared the behind-the-scenes drama following her exit from "Kids Baking Championship". Making use of her social media account, the "One Day at a Time" alum revealed that Food Network ghosted her before she was let go from her co-hosting role on the show.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Valerie set the record straight after it was reported that her team and the network "absolutely discussed" a new contract that didn't move forward because her team "decided they want more." She stressed, "There were never any talks, so no talks could be stalled. I got an inkling I might not be asked back when I saw I was not in the holiday specials. I got a text by a third party on Friday that told me I would not be back. LOL I was basically ghosted."
In a separate tweet, Valerie noted, "I have zero ill will toward anyone at FN. I enjoyed every single moment I worked for them, and they are all lovely, kind, hard-working people. And I understand business is business. But I won't tolerate lies. I am a lot of things, but I am not greedy, nor am I a liar."
Prior to that, Valerie addressed her exit in an Instagram video. "I've been avoiding facing what I got confirmation for last night," the 63-year-old actress and TV star said in the video. "It really hurt my feelings, and I know it's not supposed to. Logically, I know that it's business, budget cuts, right? But it really hurt my feelings to know that I'm not gonna be asked back to be on 'Kids Baking Championship'. It really sucks."
Valerie, who co-hosted the show alongside Duff Goldman, went on saying, "The episodes that are airing right now I shot back in the summer of 2022, which was my apex year of hell. Like, I was going through it and pretending everything was just fine, because that's what you do. Without sounding like a drama queen, the show saved my life."
"Working with all of those really wonderful people and feeling productive and knowing I could spread some kindness and not just wallow in my hell and just try to keep my head above water, it helped me. It was like a floatation device," Valerie continued. "So it really hurts that I won't be able to go back and see everybody and say, 'Hey, I made it through, hi!' I think I'm just most sad that I won't be able to tell everybody what they mean to me."
Among those who were sad over the news was Khloe Kardashian. "The Kardashians" star wrote in the comments section, "Wait!!! What!!!!! I need to sign a petition. I looooove this show and watch it daily. I record it and all. I love you and Duff together, and it will be hard to imagine it without you. The way you are with the children is magical. Your understanding and advice to them is key. Duffs voice is important as well but I think they need you both… I’m so sorry! This does suck and I understand why your feelings are hurt."
Debbie Gibson also revealed how devastated she was over the firing. "Ohhh I understand this so completely. Not sure why these sorts of decisions are made, budgets and all," she said. "It's all too familiar in show biz so of course we all go to the place of the universe having something else in store but right this second or sucks and hurts so feel all the feels and know that all of your beautiful community members here are with you!"
