Full Breakdown
Sandra Lee Calls Off Five-Year Engagement to Ben Youcef
4/24/2026, 1:00:12 PM
Engagement Ends After Five Years
On April 22, 2026, celebrity chef Sandra Lee announced that she and actor-producer Ben Youcef had ended their engagement, concluding a five-year romantic partnership that began in early 2021.
Background & Context
Lee, 59, known for Food Network’s “Semi-Homemade Cooking,” met Youcef at a Santa Monica restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their romance followed Lee’s 14-year partnership with former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The couple’s first public appearance was at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in March 2022, and they announced their relationship on Instagram on Valentine’s Day 2022.
Key Figures
- Sandra Lee – TV chef, author, lifestyle influencer.
- Ben Youcef – Actor-producer, father of twins Hannah and Harris (age 10).
- Jen Abel – Lee’s public-relations rep, confirmed split to TMZ.
- Youcef’s representatives – Declined comment to PEOPLE.
Timeline
- Early 2021 – Lee and Youcef meet in Santa Monica.
- Late 2021 – They become engaged.
- March 2022 – First public appearance at Elton John AIDS Foundation event.
- November 2022 – Youcef finalizes his divorce.
- April 22, 2026 – Lee announces the engagement is over; Jen Abel confirms to TMZ.
Official Statements & Responses
Lee’s Instagram post read, “After a great deal of reflection, I’ve made the decision to end my engagement,” adding that the choice “hasn’t been an easy or quick decision.” She called Youcef “a kind wonderful man” and said she has “nothing but respect” for him, wishing him happiness. Jen Abel confirmed the split to TMZ on Lee’s behalf. PEOPLE’s request for comment from Youcef’s representatives received no response.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The primary gap in coverage is the absence of a direct response from Youcef or his representatives, limiting verification of his perspective on the split. Additionally, while Lee mentions her twins’ ages, no independent source confirms those details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After a great deal of reflection, I've made the decision to end my engagement,” — Sandra Lee, Celebrity Chef
- “this hasn't been an easy or quick decision.” — Sandra Lee
- “Ben is a kind wonderful man,” she said, adding that “I have nothing but respect for him and for what we shared.” — Sandra Lee
- “For me, this next chapter is about growth, healing, and creating a life that feels fully aligned with my values, my work, and what matters most to me,” — Sandra Lee
What’s Next
Lee said she will focus on personal growth and healing, emphasizing gratitude and an “open heart” as she navigates life as a single person for the first time. She thanked supporters for their “love, thoughtfulness, and support” and said future projects will align with her core values.
