In a resurfaced clip from Season 2, Episode 3 of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, the Food Network star, is facing backlash for a segment deemed as promoting anti-Asian sentiment. The episode features Drummond preparing “Asian hot wings” as a game-day snack, only to be met with skepticism and mockery from her family.
When Drummond presents the dish, one of her family members questions, “Where are the real wings?” Another adds, “I don’t trust ‘em.” Drummond responds with laughter, “I’m just kidding guys, I wouldn’t do that to you.” She then reveals a tray of traditional Buffalo wings, eliciting cheers of approval, with one son exclaiming, “Now those are some wings.”
This exchange caught the attention of Thick Dumpling Skin, a platform addressing issues within the Asian-American community. They shared a clip on Twitter, directly tagging Food Network and The Pioneer Woman, criticizing the scene as promoting anti-Asian sentiment. Their tweet quickly gained traction, sparking widespread criticism of the Food Network’s decision to air the segment.
Hey @FoodNetwork – this anti-Asian sentiment being promoted on @thepioneerwoman‘s show really isn’t cool. pic.twitter.com/dM1cbXcHKc
— Thick Dumpling Skin (@dumplingskin) March 6, 2017
Thick Dumpling Skin further addressed the issue on their website, questioning the representation of Asian cuisine on Food Network. They criticized the network for featuring non-Asian cooks demonstrating Asian dishes, often mispronouncing ingredients like “Sriracha,” and lacking basic knowledge like the existence of a “chopstick drawer.” More pointedly, they highlighted the problematic nature of showcasing families mocking Asian food on shows like The Pioneer Woman.
The online reaction escalated as many viewers voiced their disappointment with Food Network. Tweets expressing frustration with the lack of diversity on the network and condemning the perceived anti-Asian bias in The Pioneer Woman episode flooded social media.
I was already bummed by the lack of diversity on @foodnetwork Now @thepioneerwoman & co. are on there saying they don’t trust “asian” food?? https://t.co/faWbgC6rBV
— rebecca tran (@beckietran) March 7, 2017
well OBViously that’s the shitty joke that made it past @FoodNetwork programmers. https://t.co/pRJrNjdAmi
— Jenny Yang (@jennyyangtv) March 7, 2017
the “JUST KIDDING GUYS HERE’S THE WHITE PEOPLE CHICKEN WINGS” at the end is really something https://t.co/ZD9jOQBFSK
— Alison Mah (@alisonmah) March 7, 2017
Further context from the episode reveals that the “joke” was premeditated. Drummond explicitly states her intention to prank her husband, who she knows prefers classic Buffalo wings, by initially serving him Asian wings. “I like to mess with my spouse, I can’t help it,” she admits in the episode. This pre-planned nature of the segment suggests that the offensive premise – the idea that her family would be disgusted by Asian-inspired food – was deliberately scripted into The Pioneer Woman episode.
Critics argue that Food Network should take responsibility for airing content that perpetuates harmful stereotypes. A proactive step, according to many, would be for Food Network to remove this particular episode from rotation, acknowledging the insensitive portrayal of Asian cuisine and the broader issue of representation on their platform. As of now, Food Network has not issued a public statement regarding the controversy.
