'Top Chef': Bryan's fans are 'disgusted' at Melissa's win, say they'll boycott show because it's fixed

They took to social media to share how 'disappointed' they were after Melissa walked home with the prestigious title
UPDATED JUN 19, 2020
Melissa King, Bryan Voltaggio (Bravo)
Melissa King, Bryan Voltaggio (Bravo)

'Top Chef' Season 17 runner-up Bryan Voltaggio has been in 'Top Chef' finals twice but has never won. This time, he was closer to winning the title than ever before. Judges and fans were rooting for him to finish first, but fate had other plans. Melissa King was announced the winner and even though it was a well-deserved win, Bryan's fans have objected to the final result. They took to social media to share how "disappointed" they were after Melissa walked home with the prestigious title. 

Some even swore to never watch the Bravo show again, implying that the winner was fixed. "The finale for me was disappointing. Melissa was great but IMO not the best. Done with Top Chef & will not buy anymore cookbook or products. Disappointed felt it should be Brian or Stephanie. Tom gave her the advantage the night before when he served them quail differently than she planned. The fix was in at that point," a viewer commented. 

Social media is teeming with negative comments over the final results. While some posted fierce opinions and got into tiffs with users cheering for Melisssa, there were some who were upset for Bryan losing the title but also understood why Melissa won. "I think feel the same... Brian I feel should have won... I'm no longer a fan of this show, such a disappointment," a fan expressed, while another agreed: "I totally agree..... the fix was in. I’m done with Top Chef..... I’m just disgusted." One more said, "Very disappointed Bryan did not win, but it became obvious early on who the judges wanted to win. His dishes and techniques were always well-rounded and complex, but he never received worthy compliments." Another posted, "Bryan Voltaggio was F’n robbed!! Seriously."

To come this close to the title and go without winning must hurt, but what really left a lasting impact on Bryan was probably the previous week's comments, which made him out to be a chef who's cooking lacked heart and soul. But in the end, he's happy with the results. "17 people can say they're Top Chef, but 17 people can’t say they’ve been there three times. I’m happy with what I did," The Daily Dish quoted him as saying.

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