Recipe Controversy: Influencer Brooke Bellamy Accused of Plagiarism

Influencers and cookbook authors Nagi Maehashi and Sally McKenney have accused Brooke Bellamy of extensive recipe plagiarism, igniting a heated debate within the food community. Despite Bellamy's denial, tensions are rising as both authors seek justice for their original works.

Two prominent cookbook authors, Nagi Maehashi and Sally McKenney, have come forward with accusations against Australian TikTok influencer Brooke Bellamy, alleging that she has copied several of their recipes in her newly published cookbook, "Bake with Brooki." Maehashi, the founder of the highly popular food site RecipeTin Eats, voiced her concerns, claiming that Bellamy's book contains recipes that mirror her own "word-for-word."

In response to the allegations, Bellamy, who is known for her baking business with multiple locations in Queensland, asserted that her cookbook features "100 recipes I have created over many years," noting that one recipe in question predates Maehashi's publication.

The controversy erupted when Maehashi noticed striking similarities between her caramel slice recipe and a version found in Bellamy's cookbook, along with parallels in their baklava recipes. In a statement shared through her food website, Maehashi offered side-by-side comparisons of the contested recipes to bolster her claims.

Maehashi, who has built a substantial online following since launching her website in 2014, indicated that she has sought legal counsel in this matter and that she contacted Penguin Random House Australia, the publisher of Bellamy's book. While Penguin's representatives have denied the allegations, Maehashi expressed feelings of exploitation, emphasizing the unfairness of profit made from her work without consent or attribution.

Bellamy, who has a strong TikTok following and a successful bakery venture, responded to the allegations by stating she holds "great respect" for Maehashi but maintains that her recipes are her own. In an effort to defuse the situation, she offered to remove the disputed recipes from future editions of her cookbook.

Sally McKenney, a cookbook author from the U.S., has also entered the fray, accusing Bellamy of copying her popular vanilla cake recipe. McKenney highlighted the need for original recipe creators to receive proper credit for their hard work and contributions to the culinary community.

As both Maehashi and Bellamy's cookbooks stand nominated for the Australian Book Industry Awards this year, the unfolding drama has provoked significant discourse around originality and inspiration in the world of food writing.