Jamie Oliver has now pulled his children’s fantasy novel after complaints from First Nation Australians that it was trivialising complex and painful histories.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation had called for Oliver’s book, Billy and the Epic Escape, to be banned from sale.
Penguin Random House UK will withdraw it from sale from all countries, the Guardian has said.
The chef is currently in Australia promoting his cookbook Simply Jamie, which ties in with his Channel 4 series. However, he has faced criticism for the childrens’ book, which was published in May.
Billy and the Epic Escape is set in England, but its backstory involves an Indigenous child being captured by a villain.
Ruby, the Indigenous character, tells English characters (who rescue her) that she can read people’s minds and communicate with animals and plants.
She explains that she can do this because “that’s the indigenous way”, according to the report.
The corporation said the book contributes to “erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences”.
Sharon Davis, the group’s chief executive, added: “Penguin Books should pull Billy and the Epic Escape from circulation, specifically removing all content involving First Nations characters and cultural references.”
Oliver has apologised and told the Guardian that neither he nor publisher Penguin Random House UK took part in any consultation with the Indigenous community in Australia.
He said: “I am devastated to hear I have caused offence and wholly apologise for doing so.
“I am listening and reflecting and working closely with my publisher on next steps.”
An additional apology on Sunday added: “It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale.”
A statement from Penguin Random House added: “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.”
The Standard has approached Penguin Random House and Oliver’s representatives.
