Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has apologised for the second time and has confirmed that his latest children’s novel will be withdrawn after it was accused of “stereotyping” First Nations Australians.
Oliver’s latest children’s book, Billy and the Epic Escape, has been embroiled in controversy after the novel’s subplot was called out for “perpetuating harmful stereotypes and trivialising complex and painful histories” of First Nation Australians, per The Guardian.
There’s a moment in the plot in which the characters take a moment to visit Alice Springs, where the antagonist of the story kidnaps a First Nations girl living in foster care.
Following public outcry, and criticisms from organisations like The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Commission (NATSIEC), the celebrity chef has since apologised and confirmed the book will be withdrawn from shelves worldwide.
“I am devastated to have caused offence and apologise wholeheartedly,” Oliver shared in a statement obtained by The Guardian.
“It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale.”
This is Oliver’s second statement regarding criticisms of Billy and the Epic Escape. The celebrity chef previously told The Guardian Australia he was “devastated” by the offence he has caused.
“I am devastated to hear I have caused offence and wholly apologise for doing so,” Oliver said at the time.
“I am listening and reflecting and working closely with my publisher on next steps.”
Penguin Random House UK — the publisher of Billy and the Epic Escape — took responsibility for the issue, stating it “fell short” of its publishing standards.
“Our mission at Penguin Random House UK is to make books for everyone and with that commitment comes a deep sense of responsibility,” it said.
“It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion, and we must learn from that and take decisive action. With that in mind, we have agreed with our author, Jamie Oliver, that we will be withdrawing the book from sale.”
Per the publication, NATSIEC led the charge to get Billy and the Epic Escape pulled from shelves and was backed by prominent First Nations Australian literary figures including Wiradjuri author Dr Anita Heiss and Kooma and Nguri children’s book author Cheryl Leavy.
NATSIEC said the book was “damaging” and “disrespectful”. It also accused the celebrity chef of contributing to the “erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences”.
Sharon Davis, Natsiec’s chief executive, told The Guardian that the subplot “perpetuates a racist stereotype that has been used to justify child removals for over a century”.
“This portrayal is not only offensive but also reinforces damaging biases,” Davis shared.
Oliver and the publishing house confirmed to the publication that they didn’t seek any guide or consultation from any First Nations organisations, communities or individuals before dropping the novel.
The famous TV chef is currently in Australia promoting his latest cookbook, Simply Jamie.
Image source: Penguin Books UK & Getty Images
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