Jamie Oliver is singled out as a racist

Published 13 November 2024 at 13.55

Cultural news. Jamie Oliver, the British celebrity chef and author, has been embroiled in controversy after his children's book Bill and the Epic Escape was accused of containing “racist” depictions of Australia's indigenous Aboriginal people.

Share the article

TwittraShare

The book describes an evil woman with magical powers who travels to Australia and tries to kidnap a child of Aboriginal origin, the girl Ruby.

Her ability to read minds and communicate with animals and plants is described as typical of “urinarians”, a wording now facing fierce criticism.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander The Education Corporation (Natsiec) describes the book as “harmful and disrespectful”, saying it contributes to stereotypes that trivialize the cultural and religious complexity of indigenous peoples. According to Natsiec's spokesperson Davis, the portrayal of Ruby as magical is an old cliché that undermines the real beliefs and traditions of Australia's indigenous people.

Neither Oliver nor publisher Penguin Random House had contacted any representatives of indigenous people in Australia before the book was published, according to The Guardian.

In a statement, Oliver says:

– I am devastated to hear that I have offended people, and I apologize for I have done this. I listen, reflect and work closely with my publisher before taking the next step.

Penguin Random House also takes responsibility and apologizes for the lack of consultation in the editorial work.