‘GHOSTED’ Inside Valerie Bertinelli’s Nasty Feud with Food Network After She Was ‘Fired’ from Kids Baking Championship
Valerie Bertinelli’s Unexpected Departure from Kids Baking Championship
Valerie Bertinelli, a familiar and cherished face on Food Network, has recently been at the center of a heated controversy following her abrupt removal from the popular show Kids Baking Championship. After years of co-hosting alongside Duff Goldman since the show’s debut in 2015, Valerie’s contract was not renewed, sparking rumors and speculation about the reasons behind her exit.
The actress and TV personality confirmed through an Instagram post in early 2024 that she would not be returning for Season 13 of the series. Her contract, which initially began with a multi-series deal signed in 2018, expired in 2022 and was extended for only one additional year. Despite her longstanding relationship with the network, Food Network chose not to renew her contract, effectively ending her role on the show.
The Role of Contract Disputes and ‘Ghosting’ Allegations
According to Valerie’s manager, Marc Schwartz, the decision not to renew her contract was straightforward. “Her deal expired, they opted not to renew it. They could have come to me with an offer just for Kids Baking Championship. They never did. Simple as that,” he told Variety in January 2024.
Valerie herself revealed a more personal side of the story, describing how she felt “ghosted” by the network. She explained that she never received any formal communication about the decision. Instead, she learned about her firing through a third party via text message, which left her feeling blindsided and hurt. “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,” she shared on social media.
This lack of direct communication has been a major point of contention for Valerie, who emphasized that while she holds no ill will toward individuals at Food Network, she “wouldn’t tolerate lies.” The absence of transparency has fueled speculation about internal conflicts and budgetary decisions influencing the network’s choice.
How Budget Cuts and Personal Struggles Impacted Valerie’s Role
Valerie Bertinelli also cited budget cuts as a contributing factor to her departure. She revealed that the filming of the latest season coincided with a very challenging period in her personal life, describing it as her “apex year of hell” due to her ongoing divorce from ex-husband Tom Vitale.
Despite these hardships, Valerie found solace and purpose in her work on Kids Baking Championship. She expressed heartfelt gratitude for the show, stating, “Without sounding like a drama queen, the show saved my life. Just 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.”
Her emotional connection to the show made the news of her firing even more painful. Valerie lamented that she would no longer have the opportunity to reconnect with the cast and crew who had supported her through difficult times.
New Faces and Changes on Kids Baking Championship
Following Valerie’s exit, Food Network introduced Kardea Brown, a judge from Holiday Baking Championship, as the new co-host alongside Duff Goldman. This change has sparked mixed reactions among fans, many of whom expressed disappointment at Valerie’s absence but also welcomed Kardea’s fresh energy.
Duff Goldman himself addressed the transition on Instagram, urging fans to be kind amid the changes. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, stating, “Things happen, the business is crazy,” but reassured followers that his friendship with Valerie remains intact.
The spin-off series, Baking Championship: Next Gen, also features Duff and Kardea as co-hosts, marking a new chapter for the franchise without Valerie’s involvement.
What’s Next for Valerie Bertinelli and Food Network?
With Valerie’s contract officially expired and no renewal in sight, her future with Food Network remains uncertain. Insiders have noted that the executives responsible for the decision to let her go no longer work at the network, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Valerie has not ruled out future collaborations but has made it clear that any potential deals would need to be transparent and respectful. Her experience underscores the challenges many TV personalities face when navigating contract negotiations and network politics.
For fans of Valerie Bertinelli, this chapter may be closing, but her impact on Food Network and the baking community remains significant. As she moves forward, many are eager to see what new projects and opportunities await her.
Final Thoughts on Valerie Bertinelli’s Food Network Feud
Valerie Bertinelli’s departure from Kids Baking Championship highlights the often unseen struggles behind the scenes in television. From contract disputes and budget cuts to personal challenges and alleged ‘ghosting,’ her story is a reminder of the complexities involved in the entertainment industry.
While the feud with Food Network may have ended her role on the show, Valerie’s resilience and dedication continue to inspire fans worldwide. Her honesty about the situation has opened up important conversations about transparency and respect in professional relationships.
Conclusion
Valerie Bertinelli’s nasty feud with Food Network after being ‘fired’ from Kids Baking Championship reveals a complicated mix of contract issues, personal hardship, and communication breakdowns. Despite the painful exit, Valerie’s legacy as a beloved host and judge remains intact. If you’re a fan of Valerie or passionate about baking shows, stay tuned for updates on her next moves and new opportunities in the culinary entertainment world. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news on your favorite TV personalities and shows!
