Celebrity chef apologizes and halts sales following criticism of stereotypes in his latest fantasy novel.
Sydney, Australia – British chef Jamie Oliver has pulled his latest children’s book, Billy And The Epic Escape, from shelves after complaints from Indigenous Australians who said it perpetuated harmful stereotypes. The popular chef, currently in Australia promoting a new recipe book, issued an apology, saying he was “devastated” his work had caused offense.
In a statement, Oliver, 49, said, “It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue,” and announced the book’s withdrawal from sale in collaboration with his publisher, Penguin Random House. The publisher acknowledged that its “standards fell short on this occasion” and committed to “learn from that and take decisive action.”
Criticism from Indigenous Leaders
Set primarily in England, Billy and the Epic Escape features a subplot involving an Indigenous Australian girl who is abducted while living in foster care in Alice Springs. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation, Australia’s leading Indigenous education body, led the calls for the book’s removal, calling it “disrespectful” and accusing it of trivializing Indigenous experiences.
The portrayal of child abduction was especially sensitive given Australia’s “Stolen Generations” history, when thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families until the 1970s. Sue-Anne Hunter, an Indigenous academic at Federation University, warned that the book could reinforce harmful stereotypes. “It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and risks reinforcing colonial narratives,” she stated, calling for greater amplification of authentic Indigenous voices.
Previous Works and Future Direction
Oliver, known for his cookbooks and TV shows like The Naked Chef, launched his children’s series last year with Billy And The Giant Adventure. However, after this incident, he acknowledged the need for caution when addressing sensitive cultural issues and vowed to ensure his future projects are more respectful and inclusive.