Jamie Oliver Withdraws Children's Book After Criticism
Controversy over Indigenous Australian Portrayal Sparks Action
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has removed his children's book 'Billy and the Epic Escape' from sale following backlash over its depiction of Indigenous Australians.
Published earlier this year, the 400-page fantasy novel features an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers who is abducted from her foster home in central Australia.
First Nations leaders criticized the book for language errors and contributing to stereotypes and the trivialization of First Nations peoples.
Jamie Oliver, currently in Australia promoting his latest cookbook, apologized, expressing regret for causing hurt.
Although Penguin Random House UK stated that Oliver requested Indigenous Australians be consulted, an oversight occurred, and this did not happen.
Critics pointed out that the character's abilities oversimplified complex belief systems and her storyline was insensitive due to historical abductions of Aboriginal children known as the Stolen Generations.
The misuse of Gamilaraay vocabulary further highlighted cultural inaccuracies.
Oliver and his publisher have decided to discontinue the book globally, acknowledging their need to adhere to better publishing standards.