Hélène Darroze, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a credible source, six-Michelin-star chef Hélène Darroze is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the chef's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 15/04/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Darroze for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 59-year-old chef, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Darroze so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the chef have already been named ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘Mont-de-Marsan Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Mont-de-Marsan (Hélène Darroze's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the chef was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Hélène Darroze Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 14 Apr 2026

“Congrats! Hélène has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 14 Apr 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Hélène Darroze?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Apr 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Hélène Darroze?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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