Jamie Oliver has been forced to apologise and has withdrawn his new book after it was slammed as "irresponsible and damaging" by an education body for Indigenous Australians.
The TV chef has turned his hand to writing children's books, saying he came up with the idea while telling his kids bedtime stories. But his sequel has caused offence, with The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (Natsiec) urging Jamie and his publisher Penguin Random House to recall the title.
Published earlier this year, Billy and the Epic Escape comes after his debut Billy and the Giant Adventure, featuring drawings by Spanish illustrator Mónica Armiño. A subplot in the book sees a First Nations girl who is fostered by an Indigenous community, but its kidnapped by a villain.
In the story, the villain says that "First Nations children seem to be more connected with nature". The Indigenous girl in the book also tells the English characters that she's able to communicate with plants and animals, as well as read people's minds.
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Puffin Books/PA)She describes it as the "Indigenous way". There is also debate about the vocabulary used - the girl is believed to be from Alice Springs, but uses language from New South Wales and Queensland. Taking "decisive" action, Jamie, 49, and Penguin have pulled the book. In a statement, he said: "I am devastated to have caused offence and apologise wholeheartedly. It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale." A spokesperson for Penguin Random House said: "It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion, and we must learn from that and take decisive action."
The Guardian reports that Penguin confirmed that no Indigenous organisations or individuals were consulted with during the writing process. Oliver said: “I am devastated to hear I have caused offence and wholly apologise for doing so. I am listening and reflecting and working closely with my publisher on next steps.”
In a different statement, the publisher said: “Penguin Random House UK publishes this work and takes responsibility for the consultation, or what we would call an authenticity read of the work. It was our editorial oversight that this did not happen. It should have and the author asked for one and we apologise unreservedly."
One of the organisations to criticise the book was The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (Natsiec). Chief executive Sharon Davis said Billy and the Epic Escape is "irresponsible and damaging, reflecting a profound lack of understanding and respect".
The book was also accused of “erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences”, adding it “ignores the violent oppression of First Nations people, raising serious concerns about the cultural safety of First Nations readers – especially young people”.
Davis said: "We urge Penguin Books and Jamie Oliver to recognise the impact of their content and take swift action to prevent further harm. Penguin Books should pull Billy and the Epic Escape from circulation, specifically removing all content involving First Nations characters and cultural references."
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