Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith respond to Bake Off Mexican Week controversy: ‘Quite a few people took offence’
‘The idea that we were set out to insult anybody is ridiculous,’ says Leith
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith have addressed the backlash to Mexican Week on The Great British Bake Off.
One episode in the recent season of the Channel 4 reality series attracted criticism for its “offensive” depiction of Mexican food and culture, which many people called cultural appropriation.
Fans of the series condemned the stereotypical use of sombreros and maracas in the instalment. The presenters were also criticised for mispronouncing Spanish words and making “tacky” jokes.
During a recent episode of Eater, Hollywood and Leith were asked about the backlash to the episode.
Hollywood said he felt “gutted” about the reaction because he “loves” Mexico.
Britney Spears confuses fans with ‘very weird’ birthday message to Jamie Lynn: ‘Something is definitely wrong’
Aerosmith cancel Las Vegas show hours before they were due on stage after Steven Tyler falls ill
Strictly: Molly Rainford shares message with fans after landing in the bottom two for the fourth time
He said: “I’d literally come back from Mexico about three weeks before we filmed the episode. I spent a month over there with Mexican chefs, working with tacos and enjoying the food in Tijuana and Mexico City and Oaxaca and Cancun.
“I was all over the place, and we set the challenges based on what I’d seen there. The challenges were very good, and everyone did a good job.”
Hollywood continued: “I was gutted. I mean, I was really upset about it.”
Leith added that “we never go out to be controversial”.
“We try to be dead honest. It was quite unfortunate that quite a few people took offence, but we certainly didn’t mean it. As Paul says, the thing about Bake Off is that it absolutely represents inclusivity and diversity and tolerance and togetherness,” she said.
“I don’t want to sound sentimental, but the fact is that the vibe of Bake Off is entirely cooperative and encouraging. So the idea that we were set out to insult anybody is ridiculous.”
Leith gave a similar response last month during an interview with The New Yorker.
She told the publication: “There would have been absolutely no intention to offend. That’s not the spirit of the show.”
Bake Off came to an end last month, with Syabira Yusoff being crowned the latest winner.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments