ABCMichael Symon recently learned that things can get a little heated when you mix food and politics.
Michelle Obama appeared on The Chew on an episode that aired on Friday, her and President Barack Obama's 22nd wedding anniversary, to promote her latest healthy eating imitative for U.S. public schools as part of her "Let's Move" campaign to battle childhood obesity. Cast member and chef Symon had promoted the episode on Sept. 29, days after it was taped, and was met with mixed reactions, including a barrage of negative, political comments, which prompted him to take a (partial) social media break.
On The Chew, the First Lady said that soon, schools will incorporate not just healthier lunches but more nutritious snacks as well. She also talked about her family's own eating habits at the White House, where their meals are prepared by professional chefs.
"We started making a point to sit down for dinner at 6:30 at the White House, no matter what the president is doing, because family meals are important," said the First Lady, mother of daughters Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13.
Also on the episode, three chefs who serve healthy lunches in their schools completed for a chance to cook with Symon.
On Sept. 29, he took to Facebook to promote Michelle's appearance. The episode was taped days earlier.
More than 940 people responded to his post, with many criticizing the decision to feature The First Lady on the food and lifestyle show. Some even said they would not watch the episode out of protest.
"Sorry but I will not be watching the show on Friday," said one person. "What Michelle Obama has done to the school lunches is a shame. Kids are not eating that food and it is going in the garbage. What a waste of money. These kids are leaving the lunchroom hungry because of this. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink."
"Sorry, Chew. Neither her nor her husband have anything to say that I want to listen to," another person wrote. "Will not watch today."
Symon posted more messages, saying, "I love you all but please don't make trying to make our children eat better about politics." More mixed reactions and political debate.
On Facebook, responses are also more visible to people besides the original posters, and long chains may inspire more readers to contribute their opinion. According to PewResearch, as of January, about 71 percent of online adults use the social network and as of September 2013,19 percent use Twitter.
The backlash prompted Symon to stay away from the social network for several days.
PewResearch also suggested Facebook users are "much more politically engaged than most people." But Symon also fielded criticism about Michelle and the decision to feature her on The Chew there.
@mossylog she is surrounded by them?i have personally eaten from schools new lunch menu?much improved...
? michael symon (@chefsymon) September 29, 2014@tithnot53 she was a wonderful person & it was a honor to meet her?as it was to meet president bush & clinton
? michael symon (@chefsymon) September 29, 2014He did, however, continue to post on Twitter during his Facebook "break," answering food-related questions, mostly, and engaging in a three-way conversation involving model and foodie Chrissy Teigen.
@chrissyteigen I need a good sausage and peppers recipe, do you have one?! #HALP
? Greg Overzat (@imsooverzat) September 30, 2014Thanks @chrissyteigen!!! @chefsymon HALP!
? Greg Overzat (@imsooverzat) September 30, 2014@chefsymon @chrissyteigen ?? you two are the best! I'll tweet a pic later if it doesn't come out as a disaster. Stay tuned!
? Greg Overzat (@imsooverzat) September 30, 2014Retweet if you want to try @chefsymon's delicious looking fall dish from #TheChew today! pic.twitter.com/UWYd55HSlL
? The Chew (@thechew) September 30, 2014Symon returned to Facebook on Friday, giving a shoutout to a manufacturer of luxury kitchen stove hoods.