the power of rumor

There is obviously a great deal of rumor and misconception about Robert Irvine and what happened at Food Network. People are gleefully calling him a liar, and even touting such nonsense as "he claimed he was knighted" and "he claimed the queen gave him a castle."

Of course, if he had actually told such lies, no one would have taken him seriously. The truth is that Irvine has worked at the White House, and has served food to the royal family. He never at any time claimed to be the White House chef or the chef at Buckingham Palace. His book, which was written BEFORE the first Dinner Impossible was filmed, describes his experience in these areas. Food Network always knew exactly what his experience was. He was not hired based on his resume. The show Dinner Impossible was created specifically for him. Food Network chose to promote him a false basis, on the supposition that people would be more willing to watch if they showed him in that light. They would not have fired him had it not been for the hash they made of the third season of The Next Food Network Star. They were trying to appear perfectly fair to everyone, when in fact they were not fair to anyone involved.

That's the reason he's been rehired. Food Network knew they were doing the wrong thing. It's very gracious of him to accept the position again; I wouldn't, in his place.

Of course, those who believe him a "liar" won't accept the facts; those who wish the truth have already apprised themselves of them.