Sandra Lee has broken her silence following her unexpected split from fiancé Ben Youcef, 46, after five years together. The 59-year-old celebrity chef took to Instagram to share her feelings, posting a photo of the couple alongside a heartfelt statement.
'After a great deal of reflection, I’ve made the decision to end my engagement,' she wrote. 'This hasn’t been an easy or quick decision. Life has a way of bringing both extraordinary joy and unimaginable challenges. Over time, those experiences shape you in ways you don’t always see until you pause long enough to listen to yourself.'
Lee reflected on her past commitments, stating, 'I’ve spent much of my life deeply committed to relationships, to family, and to the responsibilities that come with both. I’m incredibly grateful for all of it. But this moment has asked me to look at my life differently and to move forward with a deeper sense of clarity, intention, and honesty with myself.'
The chef spoke warmly of her ex-fiancé, calling him 'a kind wonderful man. I have nothing but respect for him and for what we shared. I truly want him to move forward into a life that brings him happiness, just as I am committed to doing the same.'
Lee described her next chapter as one of growth, healing, and 'creating a life that feels fully aligned with my values.' She revealed this will be the first time in her adult life that she is completely single, calling it 'scary and exciting all at once. I’m stepping into it with gratitude, grace, and an open heart.'
The announcement was confirmed by her publicist Jennifer Abel to the Daily Mail on Wednesday. Lee began dating Youcef, whose real name is Abdulwahab Benyoucef, in March 2021, and they became engaged later that year.
Lee is a well-known TV chef and author, famous for her Semi-Homemade cooking concept, which uses 70 percent packaged products and 30 percent fresh ingredients. The couple reportedly met at a charity event in Santa Monica, California in March 2021, with Youcef making the first move. Youcef is a father to twins from his previous marriage to California realtor Apryl Stephenson; they separated in 2019 and filed for divorce in January 2020.
Youcef proposed to Lee in August 2021 during a trip to France, which coincided with the sexual harassment scandal surrounding her ex-boyfriend, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. A source told the New York Post at the time, 'Ben really wanted to distract Sandra from all the news, so he whisked her away to Paris. He knows how hard this has been on her and he wants to make sure she feels loved and supported.' The source added, 'Ben is incredibly protective of Sandra. They're soulmates and head-over-heels in love.'
Cuomo resigned in August 2021 after a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James concluded he had sexually harassed 11 women. He has denied the allegations, and some speculate he may challenge James in a future election.
On Valentine's Day 2021, Lee gushed over Youcef, writing, 'So this happened! Ben happened! Love happened! Happiness happened! I was certain it never would again. I was shocked when it did. I swore I would never fall again, trust again, love again or open myself up again. On our one year anniversary I shall share the story of how we met but until then, my wish for you is that no matter where you are, how old you are or what has happened, you can welcome hope back into your life again.'
