Ina Garten vs. Martha Stewart: The Truth About Their Falling Out
Two of the culinary world’s most beloved icons are stirring up some serious drama. Ina Garten, from the cooking show Barefoot Contessa, has finally responded to Martha Stewart’s claims about their decades-old fallout.
At a recent Q&A session with People, Garten broke her silence on Stewart’s accusations that their friendship ended when Martha served time in prison. “Well, let’s just say her story isn’t exactly accurate,” Ina quipped with a laugh. “And, you know, that was 25 years ago. I think it’s time to let it go.”
Martha’s Version of Events
Stewart has been vocal about what she believes happened. The lifestyle guru has repeatedly claimed that Garten cut ties with her after her 2004 conviction and subsequent five-month stint in Alderson Federal Prison. “When I was sent off to Alderson Prison, she stopped talking to me,” Martha recounted.
Stewart didn’t stop there. On a fiery October episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, she doubled down. When Cohen asked if she’d read Garten’s memoir “Be Ready When the Luck Happens,” Martha admitted to skimming the parts that mentioned her. “She can write whatever she wants,” Stewart shrugged, but quickly interrupted when Cohen shared Garten’s claim that the distance stemmed from a move to Connecticut. “That’s not true,” she insisted.
Snoop Dogg came to Martha’s defense during the segment. “Martha don’t fall out with people,” the rapper declared.
The Friendship That Was
Back in the ’90s, Garten and Stewart were the ultimate power duo. Their friendship began in the Hamptons, where Garten was running her famous specialty food store, The Barefoot Contessa. Stewart, impressed by Garten’s talent, invited her to write a column for Martha Stewart Living and even connected her with a publisher, paving the way for Garten’s first cookbook deal.
But somewhere along the way, the bond soured. In her memoir and recent interviews, Garten suggested the friendship fizzled naturally as their lives diverged—she moved to Connecticut while Martha remained in New York.
Is a Reconciliation Possible?
While Ina is brushing off the drama with her trademark grace, Martha appears less inclined to let bygones be bygones. During her interview with The New Yorker, she described the rift as “extremely distressing and extremely unfriendly.” Still, when asked about mending fences, Martha seemed resigned. “She’s into her own thing. That’s okay,” she told People at the premiere of her Netflix documentary Martha.
Meanwhile, Garten is enjoying a high point in her career. Her latest memoir has been a hit with fans, and she continues to charm audiences with her signature warmth and effortless recipes. Martha, too, remains a force to be reckoned with, seamlessly balancing her empire and occasional pop culture cameos.
