A woman who claims she had a seven-year affair with Gordon Ramsay is speaking out against his new Netflix documentary, calling it “misleading” and “disingenuous.” Sarah Symonds, 56, alleges she was involved with the celebrity chef beginning in 2001—claims Ramsay has consistently denied.
The six-part series Being Gordon Ramsay, which premiered February 18, aims to show a more personal side of the famously fiery restaurateur. In the documentary, Ramsay, 59, reflects on his upbringing and expresses regret about being absent during parts of his children’s early years. But Symonds says the portrayal rings false, arguing the show presents a carefully polished version of the chef.
In comments to the Daily Mail, Symonds criticized both the title and tone of the series, describing it as “phony” and accusing Ramsay of being dishonest about his personal life. She claims the documentary triggered post-traumatic stress tied to what she describes as their past relationship. Symonds, who authored the 2007 book Having an Affair?, insists Ramsay acted as though he were single during the time she says they were involved.
Ramsay has repeatedly denied any affair, and representatives for the chef have not publicly responded to the latest claims. Meanwhile, Symonds has also inserted herself into a separate dispute involving Ramsay’s extended family, saying she has connected with Caroline Peaty, the mother of Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, amid reported tensions surrounding Ramsay’s daughter Holly and her fiancé. Symonds says the conversations have reopened old wounds but claims she is speaking out to support others who feel wronged.
