Two cookbook authors have accused TikTok influencer Brooke Bellamy of copying their recipes. Nagi Maehashi, the Australian founder of popular food website RecipeTin Eats, said Ms Bellamy's cookbook contains recipes with "word-for-word similarities to mine". Ms Bellamy, who owns the popular Brooki Bakehouse, has rejected her allegations, saying her book contains "100 recipes I have created over many years". One of those in question was created before Ms Maehashi published hers, she claims. Hours after Ms Maehashi's raised her allegations, US author Sally McKenney also accused Ms Bellamy of plagiarising her vanilla cake recipe. Ms Maehashi said that a reader pointed out what she described as "remarkable similarities" between her caramel slice recipe and the one in Ms Bellamy's best-selling cookbook Bake with Brooki. She said she later also discovered similarities between her baklava recipe and Ms Bellamy's, offering a side-by-side comparison in a statement on RecipeTin Eats. Ms Maehashi is the author of two cookbooks and her website, which she started in 2014, attracts a monthly readership of 45 million page views. Ms Bellamy is the owner of three Brooki Bakehouse branches, all in Queensland, which were set up in 2022. She is also a popular baker on TikTok with two million followers. Ms Maehashi said she had contacted Ms Bellamy's publisher, Penguin Random House Australia, adding that they "brought in lawyers and resorted to what felt to me legal intimidation". "It feels like a blatant exploitation of my work. To see them plagiarised and used in a book for profit, without permission, and without credit, doesn't just feel unfair," she added. Ms Maehashi has retained her own legal counsel and has written to both Ms Bellamy and Penguin. Bake with Brooki was published in October 2024 and has since sold A$4.6m (£2.1m; $2.9) worth of copies. Penguin and Ms Bellamy have both strenuously denied the accusations, with the publisher issuing a response to Ms Maehashi confirming "the recipes in the BWB Book were written by Brooke Bellamy". Despite maintaining no wrongdoing, Ms Bellamy said she offered to take down the recipes from future reprints "to prevent further aggravation", and that this was communicated "swiftly" to Ms Maehashi. She added that she had "great respect for Nagi", but has stood by her recipes in a series of Instagram stories. "Recipe development in today's world is enveloped in inspiration from other cooks, cookbook authors, food bloggers and content creators," she said, adding that the "willingness to share receipes" is what she loves about baking. Both Ms Maehashi's and Ms Bellamy's cookbooks have been shortlisted for this year's Australian Book Industry Awards. Ms McKenney, who authors the website Sally's Baking Addiction, accused Ms Bellamy of copying her vanilla cake recipe, which is included in Ms Bellamy's cookbook and YouTube channel. "Original receipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit - especially in a best-selling cookbook," Ms McKenny wrote on Instagram.
Food authors say Australian influencer copied their recipes
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Cookbook Authors Accuse TikTok Influencer of Recipe Plagiarism"
Bbc News
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Two prominent cookbook authors, Nagi Maehashi and Sally McKenney, have raised serious allegations against Australian TikTok influencer Brooke Bellamy, claiming that she has copied their recipes in her latest cookbook, 'Bake with Brooki'. Maehashi, the founder of the well-known food website RecipeTin Eats, pointed out that some recipes in Bellamy's book exhibit 'word-for-word similarities' to her own creations. Maehashi specifically highlighted the striking resemblance between her caramel slice recipe and one featured in Bellamy's book, which has garnered significant sales since its release. Additionally, she noted that a reader had alerted her to these similarities, prompting her to conduct a thorough comparison. On the other hand, Bellamy has firmly denied these claims, asserting that her cookbook encompasses 100 original recipes developed over several years, including one recipe she claims predates Maehashi's publication. This dispute has escalated further, with McKenney also accusing Bellamy of replicating her vanilla cake recipe, which is included in both Bellamy's cookbook and on her YouTube channel.
The situation has drawn considerable attention, particularly because both Maehashi and Bellamy are recognized figures in the culinary community, with Maehashi's website attracting around 45 million monthly views and Bellamy boasting two million followers on TikTok. Maehashi has sought legal counsel and reached out to Bellamy's publisher, Penguin Random House Australia, which has claimed that all recipes in 'Bake with Brooki' are original to Bellamy. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Bellamy has expressed her willingness to remove the contested recipes from future editions of her book to avoid further conflict. She acknowledged the importance of respecting original recipe creators and emphasized the collaborative nature of recipe development in the culinary world. As this controversy continues to unfold, both authors' cookbooks have been nominated for the upcoming Australian Book Industry Awards, highlighting the ongoing relevance of their contributions to the food industry amidst the allegations of plagiarism.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a conflict between two cookbook authors and a TikTok influencer, Brooke Bellamy, accused of copying recipes. This situation highlights themes of originality, intellectual property, and the dynamics between traditional publishing and social media influencers.
Purpose of the Publication
The main intent behind this news seems to be to bring awareness to issues surrounding plagiarism and the protection of creative works in the culinary field. By showcasing the accusations made by established cookbook authors against a rising influencer, the article aims to spark a discussion about the ethics of content creation and the responsibilities of influencers in acknowledging their sources.
Public Perception
The coverage likely aims to sway public opinion in favor of the original authors, Nagi Maehashi and Sally McKenney. By detailing their claims and the emotional impact of perceived plagiarism, the article seeks to evoke sympathy for their situation and to establish the seriousness of the allegations against Ms. Bellamy. This could foster a community of support for those who believe in the importance of crediting original creators.
Concealed Information
There may be underlying issues not fully addressed in the article, such as the broader implications of recipe sharing and the fine line between inspiration and imitation in the culinary world. Additionally, the article does not delve into the potential financial implications for Ms. Bellamy in the wake of these accusations, nor does it explore the reactions from her followers or the TikTok community.
Manipulative Elements
While the article presents factual claims, the language used may lean towards framing the narrative in a way that highlights the plaintiffs' grievances. The emotional quotes from Ms. Maehashi serve to strengthen her position, which could be seen as an attempt to manipulate reader sentiment against Ms. Bellamy. The portrayal of legal intimidation also adds a dramatic flair that could influence public perception adversely towards the influencer.
Truthfulness of the Article
The article appears to be grounded in facts, citing direct claims from the authors involved and providing context about their careers and the success of Ms. Bellamy's cookbook. However, the truthfulness can be debated, given that Ms. Bellamy has denied the allegations, claiming her recipes are original.
Community Impact
This news could resonate particularly with culinary professionals, food bloggers, and home cooks who value originality and creativity in cooking. It may foster a sense of community among those who advocate for proper attribution in creative works.
Economic Implications
In terms of market impact, the controversy could affect sales of Ms. Bellamy's cookbook, especially if public opinion turns against her. Publishers, such as Penguin Random House, may face backlash that could influence their future dealings with influencers and authors alike.
Broader Relevance
On a larger scale, this incident touches on ongoing discussions about copyright and intellectual property in the age of social media, making it relevant to current debates around creators' rights across all industries.
AI Influence
It's plausible that AI tools were used in drafting or editing this article, particularly in structuring the narrative and highlighting key points. However, without explicit evidence, it is difficult to determine the extent of AI involvement. If AI was involved, it may have been used to ensure clarity and engagement in the storytelling.
This analysis indicates that the article serves to elevate a significant issue in the culinary world while also highlighting the complexities of content creation in the digital age. The reliability of the information presented is contingent upon the perspectives shared, primarily from the authors alleging copyright infringement.