It was the subject of intense backlash in March after it suffered severe criticism “Mexican Week” episode,The Great British Baking ShowPrue Leith, a’sprue’, has spoken out about the controversy. The Netflix-distributed baking contest was criticized for what many saw as cultural appropriation. “there would have been absolutely no intention to offend.”
Leith discussed the controversy during a conversation with The New Yorker Magazine to promote her new cookbook Bliss on Toast. Questioned on the reaction to her new cookbook Bliss on Toast. “Mexican Week”Episode Leith, noting that the judges set the challenges noted that the competition is never meant to offend anyone. “that’s not the spirit of the show.”Leith continued to believe that the core of it all was, The Great British Baking ShowThis watch is a good timepiece, and it tells the outlet that you are feeling good. “whole phenomenon of Bake Off is, to me, absolutely extraordinary. This is rather a cliché thing to say, but I do think that it is a force for good, most of the time.”
“Everything we do in life is a bit stressful – we are always short of time, we’re short of money, there are all sorts of horrible things happening all over the world,”She continued. “And Bake Off is this safe space where the worst thing that can happen is somebody will drop their bake. And everybody will be sympathetic!”
Leith’s remarks came only weeks after controversy erupted over the Channel 4 series. The Oct. 4 airing of the series was controversial. “Mexican Week”Episode was intended to celebrate Mexican cuisine. Contestants had to make Mexican dishes such as pan dulce, tacos and tres leches cakes. But it was quickly criticized. Noel Fielding opened the episode with Matt Lucas in sombreros and serapes, Fielding stated. “I don’t feel like we should make Mexico jokes. People will get upset.” Lucas responded, “What? No Mexico jokes at all? Not even Juan?”Fielding later asked Fielding, “So, is Mexico a real place?”Lucas replied, “I think so. I think it’s like Xanadu.”Many viewers noticed the use of both verbal and visual stereotypes throughout the episode. Paul Hollywood, Leith’s fellow judge, often told bakers that Mexican things look Mexican if only they have Mexican ingredients “vibrant color”It is common to misunderstand terms like pico de gallo, tacos and guacamole.
Backlash grew as the episode aired. Viewers took to social media to voice their disapproval. The Great British Baking ShowOut, with only one viewer Tweeting, “this was a very offensive episode. All the jokes and stereotypes.”A commenter on Instagram said that the show was beautiful. “had a chance to explore some great Mexican baked good instead you took stereotypes and made tacos.”The backlash was not addressed by Netflix or Channel 4.