Sandra Lee Opens Up About Weight Loss Drug Ordeal and Relationship with Andrew Cuomo
ICARO Media Group
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Food Network star Sandra Lee revealed her harrowing experience with a weight loss drug that left her bedridden for a week and her thoughts on her former relationship with ex-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Lee, known for her show "Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee," spoke candidly about these personal aspects of her life.
Lee discussed how she tried a weight loss drug that had a severe impact on her health. She described being bedridden for an entire week due to the side effects, emphasizing that she is not a fan of such medications. The celebrity chef used this opportunity to caution others about the potential dangers of weight loss drugs.
The conversation then turned towards Lee's past relationship with Cuomo, whom she dated for 14 years but never married. The couple eventually split in 2019, four years after Lee's breast cancer diagnosis. While Lee did not delve into the specifics, she recalled a defining moment in her kitchen when she knew her relationship with Cuomo was over. Refusing to share further details, she mentioned that both she and Cuomo are aware of what was said.
During their time together, Lee and Cuomo had been leading separate lives and spending less time together. Lee expressed the belief that when couples live separate lives, they are not truly building a life together. She chose to keep most of the information regarding her breakup private, emphasizing her desire to maintain privacy.
Lee bravely fought breast cancer, specifically ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in 2015. She underwent a double mastectomy and later a complete hysterectomy in order to aggressively combat the disease. Lee acknowledged the challenges posed by cancer, describing it as aggressive, tricky, and adept at hiding. She dedicated a year to actively dealing with her illness.
Reflecting on a particularly challenging moment during her treatment, Lee shared that she spent her birthday alone on her lawn. Despite her usual resilience, she admitted that it was a difficult day for her. However, the chef later noted that she and Cuomo did have dinner together to celebrate her birthday that year, contradicting her earlier statement about spending it alone.
In response to Lee's statements, Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo's spokesperson, spoke out against her recollection of events. He pointed out inconsistencies between her recent comments and her previous statements in a documentary she produced. Azzopardi highlighted Lee's praise of the governor's support during her breast cancer recovery and her portrayal of their relationship in 2020 when she referred to Cuomo as "still her guy" and emphasized their daily conversations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amidst the media scrutiny surrounding her split from Cuomo, Lee faced another personal tragedy. Her uncle, whom she considered a father figure, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Lee relocated to care for him before his passing in 2023, which she described as the lowest point of her life. She vividly remembered feeling overwhelmed with sadness and grief, even resorting to vomiting in the bathroom as a physical manifestation of her emotions.
As Lee continues to navigate the aftermath of her relationship with Cuomo and cope with personal challenges, she remains an inspiration to many for her strength and resilience in facing adversity.