Ina Garten, a renowned figure in the culinary world, is currently addressing the matter of her purported falling out with Martha Stewart. This has been a topic of much discussion and speculation. In a live Q&A session held at the PEOPLE offices on Dec. 5, Garten, who is 76 years old, opened up about her former friendship with the lifestyle mogul. Martha Stewart, 83, had previously claimed that Garten had stopped communicating with her after Stewart's imprisonment in 2004. However, Garten now refutes these claims, stating that "her story isn't exactly accurate." She added with a laugh, "And, you know, that was 25 years ago. I think it's time to let it go."

Early Friendship and Professional Connections

The two celebrity chefs first met in the Hamptons, New York, in the 1990s. During this time, they were friends, and Garten even wrote a column for Martha Stewart Living. This collaboration led to significant opportunities for Garten. Stewart also played a crucial role by bringing a publisher to Garten's specialty food store, The Barefoot Contessa. This led to Garten landing her first book deal, which was a major milestone in her career. 1: The significance of this early friendship and professional connection cannot be overstated. It laid the foundation for both their careers and opened doors that they might not have otherwise had. Garten's column in Martha Stewart Living gave her a wider platform to showcase her culinary skills and ideas. And Stewart's support in bringing a publisher to her store was a turning point that launched her into the world of book publishing. 2: These early interactions between the two women demonstrate the power of networking and collaboration in the entertainment and culinary industries. It shows how a simple introduction or recommendation can lead to great things. Their friendship was a source of inspiration and mutual growth for both parties.

Reasons for the Friendship's End

Garten, who released her latest book, a memoir titled "Be Ready When the Luck Happens," on Oct. 1, told The New Yorker in September that distance was the main reason for the friendship's end. According to Garten, when she moved to Connecticut and Stewart stayed in New York, they lost touch. This change in their geographical locations made it difficult for them to maintain their close relationship. 1: Moving to different locations often has a significant impact on friendships. In this case, the distance between Garten and Stewart proved to be too great to overcome. Despite their initial bond, the lack of physical proximity made it challenging to keep in touch on a regular basis. 2: It's not uncommon for friendships to fade over time due to changes in life circumstances. In Garten's case, her move to Connecticut was a major life event that led to a shift in her priorities and daily life. As a result, her communication with Stewart naturally decreased.

Stewart's Perspective and Publicist's Statement

Stewart told a different story. She claimed that when she was sent to Alderson Prison, Garten stopped talking to her. On the Oct. 20 episode of "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," Stewart made similar claims. However, Stewart's publicist added to The New Yorker that she was "not bitter at all and there's no feud." 1: Stewart's version of events presents a different perspective on the situation. Her claim that Garten stopped talking to her during her prison time adds another layer of complexity to the story. It raises questions about the nature of their friendship and how it was affected by this event. 2: The publicist's statement, on the other hand, offers a different take. It suggests that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. Perhaps there were misunderstandings or miscommunications that led to the current situation.

Current Status and Future Prospects

At the Oct. 21 NYC premiere of her Netflix documentary "Martha," Stewart told PEOPLE that a reconciliation between her and Garten was unlikely. She said, "She's into her own thing. That's okay." Garten's memoir, "Be Ready When the Luck Happens," is available now, and it provides insights into her life and career. 1: The current situation between Garten and Stewart seems to be one of acceptance. Both women have moved on with their lives and are focused on their respective projects. While a reconciliation may not be in the cards, there is still a sense of respect between them. 2: Garten's memoir offers a glimpse into her world and allows readers to understand her perspective on the events that have unfolded. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and how it can shape our perception of events. In conclusion, the story of Ina Garten and Martha Stewart's falling out is a complex one that has captured the attention of many. While there may be differences in their accounts, it is clear that both women have had significant impacts on the culinary and lifestyle industries.