The hosts of The Chew are speaking out afterABC announced on Wednesdaythat the daytime cooking show will end its seven-season run in September.
Clinton Kelly, Michael Symon andCarla Hallshared their reactions on social media after the network revealedGood Morning Americahas been expanded to three hours and will take over the afternoon slot forThe Chew.
The Emmy Award-winning show, which premiered in 2011, has featured the three hosts since its inception plusDaphne Oz, who announced her departure last August, andMario Batali, who was fired from the show in December followingallegations of sexual harassment and assault.
Kelly posted his thoughts on Facebook, telling fans there will likely be more details to come on tomorrow’s episode.
Hall, whotold PEOPLE in Aprilthat they had to “raise the energy” on the show after there were only three of them left,posted her thoughts on Instagram, calling the experience “an amazing ride.”
“I am so grateful for all the good times and incredible friends I have made over the past seven years on @abcthechew,” she says. “It has truly been an amazing ride. I am looking forward to new adventures! What’s next? Stay tuned! Onward and upward!”
As a longtime friend to Batali, Hall revealed that she still speaks with him to check in. “He’s doing all the good work that he was doing before, and being reflective,” she says. “He’s such a good guy and all the other work that he’s done. He says he’s working on stuff, you know, as we all are. No one is perfect. We have challenges.”
ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua
In a statement Batali tells PEOPLE: “I vehemently deny any allegations of sexual assault. My past behavior has been deeply inappropriate and I am sincerely remorseful for my actions. I am not attempting a professional comeback. My only focus is finding a personal path forward where I can continue in my charitable endeavors – helping the underprivileged and those in need.”
Sources tell PEOPLE that the cancellation is completely independent from the criminal investigation against Batali, saying “it was a business decision.”
source: people.com
