Australia’s most highly esteemed food critic has been slammed over a crude comment about a restaurant worker ‘bending over’ in a revealing outfit.
John Lethlean – who famously calls out social media influencers – wrote a review of Perth restaurant Shui for popular food magazine Delicious which has since been taken off the website.
But a post from Mr Lethlean’s own Instagram feed promoting his piece has been shared widely, and provides an indication of why the review suddenly disappeared.
‘And the maitre d’/meet and greeter wears an outfit that threatens to expose more than just her inexperience when she bends over to set a table,’ Lethlean wrote in the post earlier this week.
Legendary Perth chef Colin Wood, who has worked with some of the world’s best culinary names, led the backlash against at Lethlean and Delicious with a scathing post.
Highly regarded food critic John Lethlean has been slammed over a review in which he made comments about a waitress’s outfit and her ‘bending over’
Mr Lethlean (left) said he was asked by Delicious to remove his Instagram post promoting his review of Shui
Legendary Perth chef Colin Wood (pictured) who has worked with some of the world’s best culinary names took aim at Lethlean and Delicious in a scathing post
Food author Dani Valent (right) was among others who admonished the reviewer online over his coarse description of the Shui staff member
‘How this gross “review” went to print after multiple eyes seeing it, appearing online at Delicious and on here before being deleted without an acknowledgment, consequence or apology is more overcooked than some of the steaks he’s barbecued,’ Wood wrote while holding a sign saying ‘It’s time for a change’.
Food author Dani Valent was among others admonishing the reviewer online over his coarse description of the Shui staff member.
‘This is sexist, disrespectful and pervy,’ Valent wrote, while fellow culinary writer Lee Tran Lam and chef Shannon Martinez joined the chorus of criticism online.
Mr Lethlean – a leading voice in the industry for more than 20 years – told The Sydney Morning Herald the publisher asked him to delete the Instagram post.
After the removal Instagram users pursued Mr Lethlean on his other posts – including on one of him enjoying a holiday in Canada – to object to his lurid comments about the restaurant staffer.
‘Pretty sure you can write an apology from Calgary and also do some reading on how not to be misogynistic,’ one wrote.
‘You are in an industry where women are already subjected to sexual harassment and assault all the time. Take a look in the mirror and check yourself,’ another read.
‘Women in hospitality and women everywhere deserve an apology.’
Elsewhere on social media others called Mr Lethlean’s comments ‘gross’.
‘Never seen anyone torn apart like he was on Insta. I cannot believe somebody published that,’ one comment read.
‘Oh yikes! I could’ve sworn he retired but apparently he can’t stay away,’ another said.
Mr Lethlean has been known to criticise social media influencers in the past
Mr Lethlean until last year had been a food writer and restaurant critic for The Australian, where he wrote an popular column in The Weekend Australian magazine.
In 2018 he famously started the hashtag ‘CouscousForComment’ to call out social media influencers for seeking free meals in return for endorsing restaurants to their followers.
One case involved Married At First Sight’s Dean Wells, after a ‘leaked’ email supposedly revealed Dean’s attempt at getting a free meal at a Melbourne restaurant.
The embarrassing email – which appeared to have been sent by a representative on behalf of Dean – was published on Instagram by Mr Lethlean.
‘I hope this finds you well. I just wanted to touch base regarding our client, Married At First Sight star Dean Wells, who is looking to wine and dine in the city of Melbourne on the 18th of August,’ the email read.
‘I thought this could be a good opportunity for them to attend your restaurant, as Dean has over 80K followers across his Instagram. In return for looking after the two on this special occasion, we can offer Social Media posts and mentions.’
Mr Lethlean captioned his post at the time: ‘Grasping At First Sight, a new reality series. Please consider #CouscousForComment.’
Asked for comment, Mr Lethlean said: ‘I don’t acknowledge the legitimacy of The Daily Mail Australia.’
The remark came just months after Mr Lethlean posted a comment about his ‘love’ for the publication, following an article on his departure from The Australian.
‘Don’t you just love @dailymailaustalia?’ he wrote in September.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Delicious and Shui restaurant for comment.
