Celebrity chef Curtis Stone defends his stint on MasterChef Australia after copping backlash for being ‘too harsh’

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone has defended his recent stint as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia after coming under fire from fans.

The 48-year-old restaurateur was criticized by viewers this season for being ‘too loud’ and ‘obnoxious’ with the contestants.

However, Curtis has now defended his tactics and told how his tough love was intended to push competitors to showcase their talents.

Curtis said Yahoo lifestyle how his judging style changed as they got closer to the final and he emphasized that the participants appreciated his ‘harsh’ criticism.

“So I always think as a chef you have to be a good mentor, and you have to sense your team, you have to understand where they are at and know how much pressure, how much to push,” he said.

‘And last season I had a group of guys who really wanted it, really wanted it.

“So I gave it to them, and I pushed them, and I let them expand themselves, and I think in the end they were really grateful for it, and it was really fun.”

His comments come after fans took issue with Curtis over the way he delivered his feedback during the 2024 season of MasterChef.

The 48-year-old restaurateur (center right) was criticized by viewers this season for being “too harsh” and “obnoxious” to the contestants

One viewer even compared the Australian foodie to notoriously short-tempered celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

Curtis took center stage during two major challenges in two episodes in one week – and fans were not happy with the way the Coles food ambassador handled the judges.

“…Curtis Stone is a bit of a commercial***,” wrote one disappointed viewer on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Another fan agreed with a cheeky meme featuring actress Jodie Foster saying the word “true.”

Others made unflattering comparisons between former MasterChef judge Jamie Oliver – who also appeared on the Aussie show – and Curtis.

“Curtis is way tougher than Jamie…” said one viewer.

“Somehow I don’t like this ‘tough love’ Curtis Stone,” another added to the thread.

“At least Jamie Oliver helps and answers questions.”

“Maybe Curtis is trying to push into Gordon Ramsay territory,” someone said.

Meanwhile, another viewer threw shade at Curtis’ appearance by suggesting he was only judging the show as part of his commercial obligations.

However, Curtis has now defended his tactics and told how his tough love was intended to push competitors to showcase their talents.

‘I bet Curtis has to do this as part of his deal with Coles. I don’t think it would be fun to be here at all.’

Despite some setbacks, other viewers were excited to see Curtis on the show.

‘Star for Curtis!!!’ one said, while the other said: ‘Fantastic!!!! excellent!!! fantastic!!!’

Curtis made his MasterChef debut in 2012 on an episode of MasterChef Australia All-Stars and has appeared regularly in the competition since.