Food Network Star Finalist Drops Out of Competition
From LoveToKnow Celebrity
In perhaps a first in reality television history, a finalist has dropped out of a competition because of allegations that he lied about his background. Josh "Jag" Garcia, who was one of two vying for the top spot on the third season of The Next Food Network Star, voluntarily eliminated himself a week before America picked the show's winner.
The Allegations
According to Reality TV World, Garcia withdrew from the finals after rumors surfaced that he lied about his military background and culinary education.
During the season premiere in June 2007, Garcia was touted as a "graduate of the New York Restaurant School" and was a Marine corporal who served as cook in Afghanistan. While both statements have some merit, they aren't completely true. While Garcia was a Marine, he was never deployed to Afghanistan, nor did he finish culinary school.
The Consequences
Because Josh Garcia felt he had no chance of winning over the general public who will choose the top candidate, he withdrew from the show. On July 15, 2007, Food Network aired Garcia's comments to the show's judges.
"I can't in good conscience continue knowing what you guys demand of a Food Network Star. I can't continue knowing that I'm not mature enough yet to meet those requirements, and I'm sorry," he said. Garcia did not say why he embellished his resume, but admitted, "I'm taking credit for something I haven't done. And I've been a whole lot of places, but Afghanistan wasn't one of them. I'm not here to take any glory from my brothers that are out there now doing their thing."
The Finalists
Finalist Rory Schepisi, a Texas restaurant owner, will now face off against third-place contestant Amy Finely, a freelance writer and caterer from California. The Next Food Network Star winner will be announced July 22, 2007.
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