Women can’t be top chefs, claims Heston... because pans are so heavy!
HESTON Blumenthal has caused outrage by claiming women’s biological clocks stop many from being top chefs – and they also struggle to lift heavy pans after childbirth.
The 53-year-old celebrity chef, who has five Michelin stars, made the controversial statement after being asked why more women weren’t represented at the pinnacle of the industry.
‘I have always employed female chefs, but historically and ultimately, the body clock starts working,’ he said. ‘It’s evolution.’
Speaking of manhandling weighty pots after having children, he added: ‘It is one thing to have a nine-tofive job and quite another to be a chef with kids so, that makes it difficult.’ His comments come weeks after fellow celebrity chef Marco Pierre White also said women were not strong enough to manage heavy pans in kitchens. The 57-year-old was branded a ‘rambling dinosaur’ after adding that they were not as good as male chefs at handling pressure.
Mr Blumenthal has said female chefs had to be ‘tough as old boots’ to be successful in the maledominated industry.
The TV star, who became a father of four after his wife, French estate agent Stephanie Gouveia, 32, gave birth last year, said men were ‘shocked’ when women stood up for themselves in the kitchen.
He told the UK’s The Economic Times busy kitchens were a difficult environment for women, adding: ‘Women are fighting sexism. Quite frankly, men have asked for this – they’ve brought it on themselves. The shock of women standing up for themselves is strong and men get really insecure.’
His comments led to a backlash on social media, with one commentator writing: ‘Thank goodness they can find the strength to lift their children.’
Another posted: ‘Blumenthal, who followed his biological clock in marrying a woman 20 years his junior. This is hilarious.’
A third tweeted: ‘This is ridiculous, women are strong too. I lug massive pots and pans around the kitchen every day with absolutely no problems.’
However, the chef admits the level of equality in the industry is ‘much better than it was 15 years ago’ – despite reports that in the UK, women make up just under 20% of chefs.
His comments come as the Michelin guide released its 2020 list of leading restaurants, many of which are led by male chefs.
Consider eating less meat
Mr Blumenthal recently urged people to consider eating less meat and less food in general.
‘If we value meat... we will consume humongously less quantities of meat,’ he said during a debate called Reshaping Food Systems for Sustainability.
‘We need to eat to be fulfilled, and not to be full. We need to eat less, and think about eating more.’
Mr Blumenthal did not respond to a request for comment last night.
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