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Calls have been made for Jamie Oliver's latest novel to be pulled from shelves. (Image: GETTY)
Jamie Oliver has issued an apology to First Nations Australians after his latest children’s novel was accused of "stereotyping and trivialising" First Nations people and their experiences. Calls have also been made for the British TV chef to remove the story from shelves by The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC).
The Guardian reports that Jamie, 49, is “devastated” to have caused offence following the publication of his second children’s book, Billie and the Epic Escape. The 417-page novel was published in the UK in May and acts as a sequel to 2023’s Billy and the Giant Adventure.
The publication reports that the celebrity chef’s story features a young First Nations girl residing at a foster home in Alice Springs. A subplot sees the character being stolen from her Indigenous community by the book’s villain.
NATSIEC has slammed the story for being “damaging” and disrespectful”, accusing Jamie of contributing to the “erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences.” In response, the father-of-five has admitted he is “devastated” about the backlash.
“I am devastated to hear I have caused offence and wholly apologise for doing so,” he said, as per the publication. “I am listening and reflecting and working closely with my publisher on next steps.”
Jamie has stated he is 'devastated' to hear he has been accused of offending First Nations people. (Image: GETTY)
Jamie’s publisher Penguin Random House has also issued an update on the children’s novel, stating the company 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.”
It’s been reported that “no consultation with any Indigenous organisation, community or individual took place before the book was published”.
Sharon Davis, NATSEIC’s chief executive is leading calls for Penguin and Jamie 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,” she demanded.
The chef is currently in Australia promoting his new cookbook. (Image: GETTY)
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Jamie is currently in Australia promoting his new cookbook, Simply Jamie: Fast & Simple Food.
The 288-page book was released in the UK on September 26 and comprises various recipes categorised into five chapters, including midweek meals, weekend wins, trusty traybakes, cupboard love and perfect puds.
On Monday (November 11), the child health campaigner is set to take over the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall.
He and food critic Melissa Leong will compete in an exclusive conversation, touching on his early Naked Chef days to his pledge to continue cooking fresh and inspiring food from scratch.
Express.co.uk has contacted representatives of Jamie Oliver for further comment.
English (US) ·