Bake Off ’s first vegan given rough ride over her love of eventing
THE first vegan contestant on The Great British Bake Off has been forced off Facebook after being called a hypocrite for riding horses.
Freya Cox, 19, was targeted by social media users who criticised her for taking part in what they deem to be a cruel sport.
The psychology student, who is also a champion eventer, was unveiled as one of the Channel 4 show’s contestants this week.
Excitedly announcing the news online, Ms Cox said she was “passionate about ethics” and, as a vegan, would not be using any animal products in the dishes she makes on the show.
However, shortly afterwards, she was forced to delete her Facebook page Freya Cox Eventing, which documented her sporting achievements and featured pictures of her riding her horse Winnie, after receiving abuse.
One social media user wrote: “I think a lot of us would like to know if you give Winnie the necessary exercise without you breaking her spine anymore or whether you continue to do so?” Another person said: “Please don’t say that you are passionate about ethics when you still ride horses. Saying that you’re passionate about ethics and then riding horses is completely contradicting and confusing.”
Ms Cox was also accused of “watering down” the concept of veganism by another social media user, who said: “If you are still riding, you shouldn’t be calling yourself vegan and you most definitely shouldn’t be going on TV calling yourself vegan.”
Some vegans believe horse-riding is cruel because the animals are not given a choice over participating, and it may cause them pain or discomfort.
But it is also widely acknowledged within the vegan community that being vegan does not have strict boundaries and can be expressed in different ways.
Before the abusive comments appeared, Ms Cox had written online: “The secret is finally out! I am going to be on Bake Off 2021 baking all vegan bakes. I am so passionate about ethics and feel completely blessed to have the opportunity to share this with the world. To say I am the first completely vegan baker on GBBO feels like such an honour.
“I will be posting loads of updates, bakes and behind the scenes pics over on my Instagram page if you’d like to follow me on there. Speak to you all soon... the future really is vegan.”
Ms Cox was defended by some of her fans, with one person accusing her critics of having a “superiority complex”.
Others said the comments were “shameful” and they couldn’t wait to see her sail past her competitors in the contest with her vegan bakes. Channel 4 was contacted for comment.