Famous Chef ‘Devastated’ Amid Criticism for Children’s Books

Jamie Oliver has found himself in boiling hot water—not in the kitchen, but in the literary world.

The celebrity chef has been forced to make a dramatic public apology and yank his new children’s book off the shelves after it was slammed as “irresponsible and damaging” by The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (Natsiec).

Oliver’s latest foray into storytelling, Billy and the Epic Escape, was supposed to delight young readers, following the success of his debut, Billy and the Giant Adventure. But the backlash has been fierce.

Critics say the book’s portrayal of a First Nations girl crossed a line, reflecting shocking ignorance about Indigenous culture. Published earlier this year with vivid illustrations by Mónica Armiño, the book contains a subplot that critics claim perpetuates damaging stereotypes.

In a scene that has sparked widespread outrage, the villain remarks that “First Nations children seem to be more connected with nature,” while the Indigenous girl tells English characters she can read minds and talk to plants. These mystical depictions have been branded as deeply offensive, with Natsiec and other groups calling out Oliver for what they say is an utter disregard for cultural authenticity.

Even the language used by the Indigenous character came under fire. Set in Alice Springs, her speech includes words and phrases more common in New South Wales and Queensland, adding fuel to the accusations of a profound cultural misstep.

Faced with a mounting storm, Oliver, 49, and publisher Penguin Random House scrambled to take action. The TV chef said he was “devastated” to learn he had caused offence. “I apologise wholeheartedly,” he declared. “It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers, we have decided to withdraw the book from sale.”

Penguin Random House admitted their blunder, issuing a stunning confession that no Indigenous experts or “authenticity readers” were consulted during the book’s development. “Our publishing standards fell short,” a spokesperson conceded. “We must learn from this and take decisive action.” According to The Guardian, Oliver had even asked for cultural consultation, but the publisher failed to deliver.

Sharon Davis, Natsiec’s chief executive, didn’t mince words. She labeled the book “irresponsible and damaging,” and said it displayed a “profound lack of understanding and respect.” Her criticism didn’t stop there: Davis argued that Billy and the Epic Escape was guilty of “erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences,” calling the depiction a “serious concern” for the cultural safety of young Indigenous readers.

The pressure is now on Penguin Books and Jamie Oliver to make amends. Davis demanded they “remove all content involving First Nations characters and cultural references,” and recognize the real impact their work has on Indigenous communities.

This scandal has blown open a wider conversation about cultural appropriation and the responsibilities of high-profile figures like Oliver. The chef, whose brand is built on authenticity and community, is now left to pick up the pieces.

The damage may be done, but the world is watching to see how he and his publisher will recover from this cultural catastrophe.