Here’s Why Vegans “Annoy” Chef Jamie Oliver

It’s true that animal rights and meat eating are two very sensitive subjects to speak on, but that said they are also issues that people talk – as they should – about. And special attention is given to what public figures and celebrities have to say and what they do and what they serve at their restaurants. A fact that Chef Jamie Oliver (and his paella) is familiarised with all too well.

In a recent interview with Sunday Times Magazine, the chef recalled an incident that occurred at his restaurant. “20 scruffy, weird-looking fellas [put] iPads of slaughtered animals in front of kids having spaghetti bolognese on a Saturday lunch.” Furthermore, this wasn’t the only time that one of the chef’s restaurants was paraded with activists. According to People, earlier this year, Oliver’s restaurant had a crusade of animal rights protesters outside his restaurant in Bristol after the chef advocated for drinking milk on an episode of the show Jamie & Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast.

Now, while we know that the protesters had the best interest at heart, we can imagine why Oliver said what he did next. “Vegans annoy me”, he confessed, clarifying that “I do also care for them”. And while the righteous interruptions hinder his business, the chef does realize that their ulterior motive makes sense and is for a good cause.

Moreover, Jamie Oliver is no stranger to healthy eating either. He founded Jamie’s Food Revolution, an organisation that promotes nutritious, fresh meals, sustainability in cooking, and ending food waste and childhood obesity. In fact, in the past, he has also encouraged people to eat vegan or vegetarian at least a few nights per week. According to Oliver, this would save money and buying more sustainable, plant-based foods would also be healthy for the environment.