Brisbane baker Brooke Bellamy recently emerged from her absence to mark a significant moment for her business, Brooki Bakehouse, which celebrated its third anniversary with a cookbook signing event. This occasion followed a wave of controversy, as celebrity chef Nagi Maehashi, known for her blog RecipeTin Eats, publicly accused Bellamy of copying her caramel slice and baklava recipes. Additionally, a baker from the United States claimed Bellamy had plagiarised her vanilla cake method, igniting a heated dispute that gained traction on social media.
In a conversation with 9News, Bellamy expressed a commitment to moving forward despite the allegations. She remarked, “Yeah, I mean, onwards and upwards,” and highlighted her hard work in both her cookbook and her business. While she has denied the claims on social media, this interview marked her first in-person response to the accusations.
When questioned about the ongoing feud, Bellamy stated she couldn’t elaborate due to the involvement of other parties. She reiterated her stance online shortly after the interview, acknowledging the inspiration she draws from previous creators in her recipes but not claiming sole credit for them. “I never subscribe to be a part of a narrative that pits two women against each other, especially in the same industry,” she declared.
Despite the controversy, Bellamy’s loyal followers remained undeterred. Many enthusiasts began lining up before dawn to celebrate her bakehouse’s birthday, eager to receive complimentary cookies. As of now, Maehashi has not initiated any legal action against Bellamy, and the fervour surrounding Brooki Bakehouse continues unabated.