Recipe Controversy: Influencer Accused of Plagiarism by Renowned Cookbook Authors

Two cookbook authors have accused TikTok influencer Brooke Bellamy of plagiarizing their recipes in her new cookbook. Nagi Maehashi of RecipeTin Eats and Sally McKenney have expressed their concerns over "word-for-word similarities," escalating into legal disputes and a broader conversation about originality in recipe development.

Two prominent cookbook authors have come forward to accuse Australian TikTok influencer Brooke Bellamy of plagiarism, asserting that she has copied their recipes in her newest publication. Nagi Maehashi, the brain behind the highly successful food website RecipeTin Eats, claims that Bellamy's cookbook contains recipes with "word-for-word similarities" to her own creations.

In response, Bellamy, who is known for her popular Brooki Bakehouse, has refuted these allegations, stating that her book features "100 recipes I have created over many years." She further asserts that one of the recipes in question predates Maehashi's published version.

The controversy deepened when U.S. cookbook author Sally McKenney also accused Bellamy of lifting her vanilla cake recipe. Maehashi noted that a reader had flagged striking similarities between her recipe for caramel slice and one featured in Bellamy's bestseller, "Bake with Brooki." In a statement, she compared her baklava recipe to Bellamy's, emphasizing the overlaps.

With a significant online presence—45 million monthly page views—Maehashi's RecipeTin Eats has made her a staple in the culinary community. Likewise, Bellamy has gained popularity, operating three Brooki Bakehouse branches established in 2022 and boasting two million TikTok followers.

Maehashi has taken her concerns directly to Bellamy's publisher, Penguin Random House Australia, insinuating that their reaction felt like "legal intimidation." She stated, "It feels like a blatant exploitation of my work. To see them plagiarised and used in a book for profit, without permission, and without credit, doesn't just feel unfair."

Despite vehemently denying any wrongdoing, Penguin and Bellamy have both defended the authenticity of her recipes. However, Bellamy has expressed a willingness to remove the contested recipes in future editions to avoid further issues, claiming she holds "great respect for Nagi."

Both Maehashi's and Bellamy's cookbooks are finalists for the upcoming Australian Book Industry Awards, showcasing the competitive nature of the industry. Additionally, McKenney, known for her successful website "Sally's Baking Addiction," called attention to the importance of recognizing original recipe creators, stating that they deserve credit for their hard work, especially in widely successful cookbooks.

The allegations serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding recipe creation and intellectual property in the digital age, igniting discussions among culinary enthusiasts and professionals alike.