Jobaaj Stories
Bake With Brooki: A Recipe for Controversy?
The Australian food world is abuzz with accusations of plagiarism leveled against Brooke Bellamy, the TikTok star and author of the bestselling cookbook, Bake With Brooki. RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi has publicly accused Bellamy and publisher Penguin Random House of copying recipes from her and other unnamed authors. This article delves into the allegations, the responses, and the ongoing debate surrounding originality in the culinary world.
The Accusations
Maehashi, a highly respected food blogger with a massive online following, claims that Bellamy's cookbook contains recipes strikingly similar to her own, including a caramel slice and baklava. She points to specific, detailed similarities that she believes go beyond mere coincidence. Further, she alleges that other authors' recipes have also been copied, although she's refrained from naming them due to legal constraints.
Penguin's Response
Penguin Random House has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the recipes were authored by Bellamy. This has led to a stand-off, with Maehashi presenting side-by-side recipe comparisons as evidence. The intense public scrutiny has prompted a revised edition of Bake With Brooki, featuring a different caramel slice recipe, but other allegedly plagiarized recipes remain unchanged.
The Fallout
The incident has sparked a heated discussion about intellectual property in the food blogging and cookbook industry. While Maehashi emphasizes the ethical implications of profiting from allegedly copied recipes, even if not legally actionable, the situation highlights the complexities of recipe copyright. Bellamy, despite the intense social media backlash, remains silent publicly.
What's Next?
The controversy remains unresolved. Maehashi seeks accountability, requesting Penguin remove the copied recipes and donate to charity. The future will likely involve legal proceedings and a deeper conversation about plagiarism, authorship, and credit within the food community. This case serves as a cautionary tale for both aspiring and established food influencers and cookbook authors alike. It underscores the importance of original content creation and the ethical responsibility of proper attribution.
