Rachael Ray's Fans' Concerns Escalate As She Reportedly Looked 'Out Of It' At A Meet-And-Greet

Rachael Ray's fans are still on red alert about her welfare.

The celebrity chef's appearance at a Staple Gin meet-and-greet in New York City has sparked fresh concern over her well-being after attendees noticed something was off. The unsettling moment follows a string of past worries, including a tribute video last year where she appeared to slur her words. 

Now, with the unexpected loss of Rachael Ray's close friend Anne Burrell weighing heavily on her, some insiders fear the celebrity chef may be struggling to cope behind the scenes.

Ray reportedly showed up nearly 20 minutes late to the promotional event, where onlookers said she seemed oddly jittery and overly affectionate with fans, hugging guests and handing out merch in a way some called uncomfortable.

Described as being "out of it," one attendee shared, "She was acting strange and touchy-feely with the guests," adding that Ray appeared overly energetic despite it being midday and far from happy hour. "She was really on a roll."

The event, meant to spotlight her new gin brand, left some insiders uneasy about how much they believe she is drinking, especially given past concerns about her health and behavior.

"The hope is that Rachael takes these fears seriously and sees a doctor because something is wrong, whether she admits it or not," one source added per RadarOnline. 

While her behavior at the meet-and-greet event raised a few eyebrows, the gin itself is getting surprisingly solid praise.

Paste Magazine reviewed the spirit and found it anything but the light, fruity, and sweet flavor profile many expected from a celebrity-backed gin. At 47% ABV, Staple Gin lands in the same strength category as Bombay Sapphire, but what really sets it apart is its bold botanical makeup.

The review described the gin as earthy, herbal, and floral, with just a touch of sweetness and bitterness for balance, calling it aggressive but intriguing. Rather than playing it safe to appeal to a broad market, Ray's gin seems to take a riskier route that is turning heads among spirit enthusiasts.

Before her recent appearance, Ray faced questions from fans after a Mother's Day video left viewers unsettled. The Blast spotlighted the clip, where the 56-year-old reflected on her early struggles in New York while preparing a dish.

While her message was heartfelt, it was her unusual mannerisms that caught the internet's attention. Some noted she did not even look like herself, with some calling her "unrecognizable."

That was not the first time her behavior triggered health speculation. Last year, Ray raised similar concerns in a tribute to Tony Bennett during her FYI series "Rachael Ray in Tuscany," where she honored the late singer with a meal and a personal story. 

But instead of the touching moment taking center stage, viewers zeroed in on her sluggish delivery and odd speech patterns. Some even feared she may have suffered a mini-stroke.

Ray's recent offbeat public appearance has sparked plenty of whispers, but there may be more to the story than what is on the surface.

Behind her odd behavior may be the emotional toll of losing one of her closest friends, fellow Food Network star Anne Burrell. Last month, The Blast reported that Burrell was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home on June 17 and later pronounced dead. 

Ray was shattered by the news. In a heartfelt post shortly after Burrell's passing, she described her friend as a "rockstar" and admitted she still could not wrap her head around the sudden loss. 

"The news about Anne has truly shaken us. John and I are heartbroken. I can't quite believe it. Such a strong, vibrant, fearless woman, so full of life and love, could be gone so soon," she wrote. 

In her moving tribute, Ray shared memories of their time filming "Worst Cooks in America," laughing behind the scenes, and even celebrating anniversaries together in Italy, where Burrell cooked for Ray and her guests.

The two built a bond beyond the screen, with Ray once standing by the late TV personality's side as a bridesmaid at her wedding. "She always treated me as one of the gang," Ray recalled, adding that Burrell's loud morning sing-alongs were just part of what made her unforgettable.

From the kitchen to personal milestones, Ray says Burrell had a way of lighting up every room she walked into, on and off camera. Now, with Burrell gone, Ray says the hole left behind is immense. "Everyone whose life she touched will miss her," she wrote. "We've lost someone truly special."

Will Rachael Ray address these new concerns?