FOOD NEWS
The Tragic Details Surrounding Rachel Ray
by HOLLY RIDDLE
Her Voice
Rachel Ray’s raspy, distinguishable voice could be traced back to childhood illnesses. She has recalled in interviews being infected with croup several times as a child.
Ray has also mentioned repeated instances of losing her voice. At doctor visits for the issues, she was told to do throat exercises and avoid irritants like caffeine.
Vocal Cord Surgery
In 2008, false rumors began flying that Ray had throat cancer. A representative told People that Ray needed surgery on her vocal cords to remove a benign cyst.
The spokesman said that otherwise, Ray was "the picture of health." The surgery occurred in December 2008, and Ray's tapings for Food Network and "Rachael Ray" went as planned.
Multiple Muggings
Ray told People that in the 1990s, she was mugged by the same person twice in one week. He first assaulted her in her apartment's foyer, and she used mace.
The second time, the assailant was more forceful and possibly even retaliatory. As Ray told People, "He dragged me down the alley and beat the crap out of me with his gun."
Family Feud
In 2013, Ray's aunt was house-sitting for her when she locked herself outside. Her aunt collapsed in the frigid temperatures and was discovered the next day.
Ray's cousin blamed her for the death, and the tension increased when Ray did not attend the funeral as she was taping a show. Later, Ray's brother came to her defense.
Cheating Husband
A Florida woman claimed she had an affair with Ray’s husband, John Cusimano, for years, with Cusimano paying her and engaging in drug use with her.
Other reports have said that Cusimano has cheated as much as six times, but Ray told People, "I've known where he is every night since we've been married."