Jamie Oliver children’s book pulled after outrage over ‘disrespectful’ Indigenous Australian subplot

Jamie Oliver has pulled his new children’s book from sale after outrage over a “disrespectful” plot involving Indigenous Australians.

British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has pulled his new children’s book from sale and apologised after a chapter involving Indigenous Australians was condemned as “damaging” and “disrespectful”.

Oliver, 49, released his second children’s book in May, Billy and the Epic Escape, which features a brief detour from England to Alice Springs, where the villain abducts a young Indigenous girl living in foster care in an Indigenous community.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Commission (NATSIEC), which led calls for the book to be withdrawn, had accused Oliver of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and “trivialising complex and painful histories”, The Guardian reported.

Jamie Oliver’s second children’s book will be withdrawn from sale by Penguin Random House. Picture: Supplied

The chapter implied Indigenous families “are easily swayed by money and neglect the safety of their children”, NATSIEC chief executive Sharon Davis told the publication.

“[It] perpetuates a racist stereotype that has been used to justify child removals for over a century,” she said. “This portrayal is not only offensive but also reinforces damaging biases.”

Oliver, who is currently in Australia promoting his latest cookbook, said in a statement, “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.”

Oliver and Penguin Random House UK conceded that no consultation with any Indigenous organisations or communities had taken place for the book.

The celebrity chef is currently in Australia promoting his new cookbook. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Our mission at Penguin Random House UK is to make books for everyone and with that commitment comes a deep sense of responsibility,” the publisher said in a statement.

“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.”

Indigenous children’s author Cheryl Leavy told The Guardian the decision was the right one. “It makes it possible for Penguin Random House to build relationships with First Nations communities and tell better stories,” she said.

“It’s time now for Penguin Random House to work with First Nations advisers to put structural measures in place that prevent this from ever happening again.”

Oliver rose to fame in the 2000s for his TV show The Naked Chef, which premiered in 1999. He released his first children’s book, Billy and the Giant Adventure, last year.