Penguin Random House pulls Jamie Oliver children's book after criticism from Indigenous Australians

Penguin Random House has announced that Jamie Oliver’s children’s book Billy and the Epic Escape is to be removed from shelves worldwide after criticism from Indigenous Australians that it is "offensive and harmful". 

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC) said the book was “damaging” and “disrespectful”, and Oliver was accused of contributing to the “erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences”.

A spokesperson for Penguin Random House said: "Penguin Random House UK publishes this work and 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.

"PRH Australia was in no way involved in the content or publication of the book. As with many PRH titles, this one was distributed into Australia as part of our global PRH network.

"Our author is in Australia to promote his latest adult cookery book and Food Hero Awards, not any of his children’s books.”

The spokesperson added: “Our mission at Penguin Random House UK is to make books for everyone and with that commitment comes a deep sense of responsibility. 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.”

During the book, which predominantly takes place in England, there is a brief trip to Alice Springs in Australia where the novel’s villain abducts a young First Nations girl living in foster care in an Indigenous community.

Oliver said: "I am devastated to hear I have caused offence and wholly apologise for doing so. Ruby, one of the heroines, was my attempt to show the wonderful ability kids have to forge connections with each other, to help each other and to connect with the natural world. I am listening and reflecting and working closely with my publisher on next steps.

"Everything I do is about utilising the joy of food in pursuit of a healthier, happier world. My Billy books are an extension of that, introducing themes around sustainability, food, nature, balance, friendship, kindness, diversity and connection, through the fictional world of Waterfall Woods. Over the years I have been lucky enough to meet and spend time with many communities across the world, including First Nations, and this has influenced my body of work across campaigning, TV programmes and books."

He added: "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."