Rachael Ray has made a rare public appearance as her recent strange behavior raises concerns from fans.
The chef arrived for a taping of “The Drew Barrymore Show” on Wednesday wearing a brown leather bomber jacket paired with a colorful vest and brown corduroy pants.
She wore clear-framed glasses and carried a blue crocodile-print handbag.
The 57-year-old television personality looked poised as she entered the show’s CBS studios in New York City, with her long brown hair styled straight over her shoulders. Ray finished the look with black and gold combat-style shoes.
Ray is scheduled to appear on Friday’s episode of the CBS talk show, where she will be in the kitchen with the “Charlie’s Angels” star, 50, and share recipes.
The “My Year in Meals” author displayed “strange behavior” at an event for her then-new gin line in July, sparking concern among fans.
According to the Daily Mail, dozens of fans waited in line at the Broadway Spirits store in the summer heat, paying $50 just for the chef to arrive “20 minutes late.”
A source told the magazine that something “just didn’t feel right” as the Food Network alum exhibited “strange behavior” as he greeted fans and handed out bottles of gin and baseball caps.
“She approached some people strangely and hugged them in an all-too-familiar manner while taking pictures,” the source added. Sources also compared Ray’s behavior to how Barrymore interacts with guests on her show.
Ray is said to have finished the handshake event in “less than an hour” after making fans wait in 80-degree weather and being late.
Back in May, she wowed fans with a viral cooking video in which she admitted to having “slurred speech” and “several bad falls.”
Despite the video containing an emotional message about overcoming poverty at a young age, fans took note of Ray’s attitude and expressed their concerns in the comments.
One person wrote: “I don’t recognize Rachel (sic) 😮,” while another added: “Rachel (sic). Are you okay? You don’t look well.”
The New York-born chef rose to fame in 2001 on the Food Network’s reality cooking show “30 Minute Meals.” Ray’s approachable style and laid-back personality led to the nationally aired show “Rachel Ray” in 2006.
In 2005, he co-founded the lifestyle magazine Every Day with Rachael Ray.
