Celebrity chef Jason Atherton has been facing a wave of backlash following his recent remarks about sexism in the kitchen.

The 53-year-old chef, in an interview with The Times, claimed that women no longer experience sexism in British kitchens.

This statement sparked outrage, with many arguing that it overlooked the real and ongoing challenges women face in the industry.

Atherton Responds to Criticism

Atherton responded to the growing controversy on Instagram, stating that his comments were “taken out of context.”

He emphasized that he does not condone sexism and pointed to his own kitchen, where a significant number of women hold senior roles.

Atherton also clarified that his initial response to the question about sexism had been a quick, off-the-cuff remark, and he had intended to discuss the general progress in the industry, not diminish the importance of the fight against sexism.

“I do not condone sexism in the industry or anywhere,” Atherton wrote.

“A high percentage of our staff are women, and many hold senior positions.

My family consists of women, so sexism couldn’t be further from my worldview.”

The Backlash and Poppy O’Toole’s Criticism

Despite Atherton’s clarification, the backlash continued, with many calling out the chef for diminishing the experiences of those who have faced discrimination.

Poppy O’Toole, a prominent chef and MasterChef judge, led the charge against Atherton.

O’Toole shared her own experiences of workplace sexism, including inappropriate behavior and harassment from male colleagues, and criticized Atherton for invalidating the struggles of women in the industry.

O’Toole stated, “It is disappointing to see a leader in our industry diminish the experiences of those who have spoken out openly about the sexism in the hospitality industry.”

She emphasized the need for more leaders, particularly men, to acknowledge these issues and push for change instead of ignoring them.

Atherton’s Career Challenges and Criticisms

While the sexism controversy unfolded, Atherton has also faced other challenges in his career.

His restaurant, City Social, recently lost its Michelin star, a blow to his culinary reputation.

This follows the closure of his Pollen Street Social restaurant in 2024 after 14 years.

On top of that, Atherton’s reputation has been further tainted by accusations of bullying from a BBC2 cookery show in 2019, where he admitted to being angry with his young team.

These incidents have added to the growing scrutiny of the celebrity chef.

The Changing Landscape of the Culinary Industry

As the culinary world evolves, the rise of food influencers and online reviewers is challenging traditional institutions like the Michelin Guide.

While the Michelin Guide was once the definitive marker of culinary excellence, it now faces increasing competition from viral online platforms.

This shift is changing how diners experience food and how chefs like Atherton navigate their careers in an ever-evolving industry.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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