Jamie Oliver Halts Sales of Controversial Children’s Book
The renowned British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has recently decided to suspend sales of his children’s book globally and has issued a public apology following accusations that the book perpetuates stereotypes about Australian Indigenous culture. The book in question, titled “Billy and the Epic Escape,” was released in March by Penguin Random House UK and features a First Nations character named Ruby.
Ruby is portrayed as possessing mystical powers and becomes a victim of abduction from her home in Central Australia. Critics have raised significant concerns regarding the representation of her character, arguing that the descriptions of her abilities trivialize the complex spiritual beliefs of First Nations people by equating them to mere “magic.” Furthermore, the book fails to adequately address the rich diversity of languages and traditions among Indigenous communities.
- One notable criticism highlighted that Ruby utilizes First Nations terminology that would not realistically align with her character’s upbringing.
- This book serves as a sequel to Oliver’s debut children’s work, “Billy and the Giant Adventure,” which was published in 2023.
- “Billy and the Epic Escape” continues the narrative of the same group of children as they embark on a fantastical adventure during their summer vacation.
The call for the book’s removal from circulation gained momentum, spearheaded by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation, an educational organization dedicated to advocating for First Nations communities in Australia. In a statement released earlier this month, the organization labeled Oliver’s portrayals as “irresponsible and damaging,” emphasizing a profound lack of understanding and respect for Indigenous culture.
Particularly alarming was the depiction of Ruby’s abduction from her home, a chapter ominously titled “To Steal a Child.” The group condemned this portrayal as insensitive, especially given Australia’s ongoing reckoning with the historical trauma associated with the so-called Stolen Generations. This term refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families during the 20th century and placed into government-run assimilation programs.
