Ravneet Gill Apologizes for Coeliac Disease Comments on The Great British Bake Off

Ravneet Gill, a prominent pastry chef, acclaimed author, and star of The Great British Bake Off, has graced the Channel 4 series multiple times. Recently, on October 10, she appeared on the spin-off show Extra Slice alongside hosts Jo Brand and Tom Allen.

During a discussion about the Bread Week challenge, Ravneet expressed her and her mother’s enthusiasm for bread, mentioning that although her mother is coeliac, “she shouldn’t eat bread, she still eats it.”

This remark sparked backlash from the charity Coeliac UK, which issued an open letter to the show’s producers on October 11, highlighting that Gill’s comments might convey a “harmful message”and “downplay”the serious nature of the condition.

On October 15, in response to the controversy, Ravneet took to Instagram to clarify her earlier statements. She emphasized that it was never her goal to misinform anyone or diminish the serious nature of coeliac disease. She stated:

“I want to clarify that my intention was not in any way to cause any misinformation about the severity of coeliac disease or to downplay it at all. For that, I hold my hands up and that was really never my intention.”

Clarification from The Great British Bake Off’s Ravneet Gill on Coeliac Disease Remarks

Coeliac UK describes coeliac disease as an “autoimmune condition”triggered by the ingestion of gluten, which can harm the gut lining and result in significant health issues, nutrient deficiencies, and long-term risks.

In their letter, the organization detailed the consequences gluten can have on those affected by coeliac disease, stating:

“Even the tiniest crumb of gluten can lead to severe symptoms, including debilitating pain, prolonged suffering, and potential recurrent miscarriage, along with long-term health risks such as osteoporosis and, in rare cases, small bowel cancer.”

Reflecting on her past experiences working at a gluten-free restaurant, Ravneet shared that she has dedicated time to “educate herself”about coeliac disease. She also mentioned that she has developed gluten-free recipes tailored for individuals with dietary restrictions, assuring her followers that her intentions were well-meaning. She expressed:

“I just want to circle back and let you know that I didn’t intend for those comments to cause harm, and the fact that they did really upset me, and I’m sorry about that.”

Gill acknowledged that she should have been more mindful during her comments on a reality television show. She admitted to needing to think “more carefully”about her words while on camera and should have provided additional context to her statements. In her own words:

“When I was in my twenties, I worked in London’s first gluten-free restaurant, long before platforms like YouTube and Instagram were as prevalent, and I spent considerable time educating myself. In a fast-paced panel show, it’s challenging to articulate everything, and I should have shared more context.”

At the conclusion of her statement, Gill reassured fans that her mother was not upset by her remarks. Followers can stay updated on Ravneet’s culinary journey by visiting her official Instagram account.

The Great British Bake Off broadcasts on Channel 4 every Tuesday at 8 PM.

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