Michelin star chef Heston Blumenthal claims because of 'evolution' and 'body clock' fewer female chefs make it to the top
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has stirred up controversy with recent comments about women not being able to manage the physical strain of being a chef because of "evolution". The molecular gastronomer and father-of-four also claimed that he has "always employed female chefs" and commented that the situation in the industry today is much better than it was fifteen years ago but that hasn't helped soften the backlash of his controversial statement.
“I think it depends on a lot of factors, including the culture in the country,” he told the Economic Times in an interview on October 8. “I have always employed female chefs, but historically and ultimately, the body clock starts working. It’s evolution, and it is one thing to have a 9-5 job and quite another to be a chef with kids. So, that makes it difficult . [The physical strain of lifting] Heavy pots and pans…. But I think it is much better now that it was 15 years ago. This I can speak for.”
The 53-year-old London-born food personality has five Michelin stars across two restaurants to his name. Blumenthal made the statement after he was asked why women aren't as well represented at the top level of the industry as compared to their male counterparts. “Earlier, to be a successful female chef in a male-dominated environment, you had to be tough as old boots," he added. "You had to fight harder. I know a few female chefs who have done very well.
He also said that male chefs are to blame for this lack of representation and said that the men "brought it on themselves". "The shock of women standing up for themselves is strong and men get really insecure,” Blumenthal commented. The chef has faced heavy backlash online for his comments with certain users accusing him of being "yet another high profile male chef, that is an expert on female chefs".
One Twitter user @gracegausden93 commented saying, "Ugh ugh ugh - some men still believe women 'belong in the kitchen'🤮 but then as soon as they look to make cooking a profession, they are 'unable to lift the heavy pots and pans'."
Blumenthal is yet to comment on the controversy caused by his statements.