{"id":226028,"date":"2026-01-03T23:20:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T23:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/226028\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T23:20:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T23:20:07","slug":"duff-goldman-sends-stern-warning-about-kardea-brown-after-food-network-shake-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/226028\/","title":{"rendered":"Duff Goldman Sends Stern Warning About Kardea Brown After Food Network Shake-Up"},"content":{"rendered":"

Duff Goldman<\/a> sent a stern warning to Food Network<\/a> fans about Kardea Brown<\/a> after she replaced Valerie Bertinelli<\/a> in a major shake-up.<\/p>\n

Previously, Bertinelli served as a judge alongside Goldman on Kids Baking Championship<\/a>\u2014until the Food Network did not renew her contract in 2022<\/a>, and Brown joined in 2024. Brown also joined Holiday Baking Championship<\/a> in late 2025 as a judge alongside Duff, and will team up with him yet again for Baking Championship: Next Gen this month.<\/p>\n

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On Dec. 30, the Ace of Cakes star took to Instagram<\/a> with a bold message to viewers following backlash over Brown’s increased presence on the network.<\/p>\n

“Who is excited for the series premiere of Baking Championship Next Gen? I know I am. I know @kardeabrown<\/a> is,” Goldman began his caption. “And I know that millions of kids out there are, and especially all the incredibly talented and hilarious and kind kids that we had the pleasure of baking with. I hope you guys are excited.”<\/p>\n

Related: Guy Fieri Hit With Lawsuit & Bold Claim by Food Network Show Winner<\/a><\/p>\n

He continued, “That being said, I\u2019d like everyone to take a deep breath and think about your words. I know we all miss @wolfiesmom<\/a> as my co-host. Valerie taught me so much about the craft of television and the shows we do with kids wouldn\u2019t be the same without her warmth and spirit that to this day infuses every part of the show. But, things happen. Things that you or I know nothing about. TV is a crazy business and people all have complex lives.”<\/p>\n

Although Goldman said he is “forever grateful” to learn from Bertinelli and “cherish[es]” their friendship<\/a>, he highlighted out how “wonderful” Brown is.<\/p>\n

“She is warm, kind, and empathetic and the kids love her,” he pointed out. “She\u2019s a great baker and a positive mentor for the kids.”<\/p>\n

Related: Gordon Ramsay, 58, Reveals Cancer Diagnosis in Important PSA<\/a><\/p>\n

“Let\u2019s all remember to be kind. We are real people with real emotions and having to read negative comments about yourself<\/a> isn\u2019t fun for anyone,” Goldman reminded fans. “And if you feel the need to make negative comments then maybe take a breath and ask yourself why putting someone down makes you feel better or vindicated or justified or whatever.”<\/p>\n

To wrap up his update, he implored followers, “Don\u2019t be lame. Don\u2019t be mean. If you\u2019re not going to watch, that\u2019s your choice. But you don\u2019t need to tell me or Kardea that. We don\u2019t care that you\u2019re not going to watch. We care about the kids that we get to bake with. We care about creating a show and an environment that encourages creativity<\/a> and craft.”<\/p>\n

Goldman concluded, “Don\u2019t ruin that for us by being nasty because events beyond your understanding or control unfolded how they did. Stay positive, guys. I love Val. I love Kardea. And I love creating the most positive and creative show on @foodnetwork<\/a>. Thanks.”<\/p>\n

In the comments, Brown replied, “Thank you, Duff. \ud83e\udd0d I\u2019m so grateful to be part of this show and to support these amazing kids. Valerie\u2019s impact is deeply felt, and I have so much respect for her as well. Thank you for always being so supportive\u2026\u2026your friendship and support mean more to me than you\u2019ll ever know \ud83e\udef6\ud83c\udffd.”<\/p>\n

Baking Championship: Next Gen premieres on Monday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m on the Food Network.<\/p>\n

Next: Duff Goldman\u2019s Abrupt Holiday Baking Championship Exit Leaves Fans Worried<\/a><\/p>\n

This story was originally published by Parade<\/a> on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n