Was Bobby Flay serious when he quit Iron Chef mid-show?

Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair’s Allen Salkin reports of an Iron Chef Showdown taping over the summer where a frustrated Flay tore off his apron mid-battle to reveal a T-shirt that read: “THIS IS MY LAST IRON CHEF BATTLE EVER.” When producers told him they wouldn’t be able to edit out the incident, Flay reportedly responded: “That’s the point.” Salkin explains that Flay’s move “reveals a larger set of tensions,” and that he has lacked interest in remaining on Iron Chef. In a statement to E!, however, Flay explained: “I wore a t-shirt to have a little fun during my last battle this season. In hindsight, it was probably not the best decision because it's just creating confusion. Food Network has been part of my family for over 20 years and will absolutely continue to be, and though there is a talented bench of Iron Chefs to tap, if I were asked, I'd be excited to return to Kitchen Stadium, whenever my schedule allows.”