My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge reveals his vicious feud with a notorious food critic – and the chilling threat he dished out to him

My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge has revealed his vicious feud with a notorious Australian food critic.

Speaking to the Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie show on Thursday, the Irish chef, 50, explained that before the internet, a bad review from Australian food writer John Lethlea could ‘shut down (the restaurant)’.

“When I started MKR, he had a soft spot for Guy Grossi, Karen Martini and whatever. And I knew I was next for the crack. He was just having a joke because we were on TV,” he said.

Fassnidge further revealed that he made a thinly veiled threat to Lethlean if he wanted to go after him.

The TV star also recalled the awkward moment when he went to a restaurant with his wife Jane and sat next to Lethlean.

He said he had to warn his wife in advance that all hell could break loose.

“Maybe I should tell you something,” Colin remembered saying to his wife Jane.

“And then he came along and was really nice, and I was like, ‘Ah look, it worked,'” jokingly suggesting that the critic was sufficiently intimidated.

Lethlean is no stranger to controversy.

He was criticized earlier this year for a rude remark about a restaurant employee who was “bending over” in a revealing outfit.

Also known for calling out social media influencers looking for a free feed, Lethlea wrote a review of Shui restaurant in Perth for the popular food magazine Delicious, which was later removed from the website.

A post from Mr Lethlea’s own Instagram feed promoting his piece has been widely shared and gives an indication as to why the review suddenly disappeared.

“And the maitre d’/meet and greeter wears an outfit that threatens to expose more than just her inexperience as she stoops to set a table,” Lethlean wrote in the post.

Legendary Perth chef Colin Wood, who has collaborated with some of the world’s top culinary names, led the backlash against Lethlean and Delicious with a scathing post.

“How this crude ‘review’ was printed after multiple eyes saw it, appeared online at Delicious and here before being removed without acknowledgment, consequence or apology, is more overcooked than some of the steaks he has barbecued,” Wood wrote while he shared a post. photo of Lethlean saying ‘It’s time for a change’.

Food author Dani Valent warned the reviewer online, among other things, because of his crude description of the Shui staff member.

“This is sexist, disrespectful and perverted,” Valent wrote, as fellow culinary writer Lee Tran Lam and chef Shannon Martinez joined the chorus of criticism online.

Lethlea — a leading voice in the industry for more than 20 years — told The Sydney Morning Herald that the publisher had asked him to remove the Instagram post.

Following the takedown, Instagram users hounded Lethlea on his other posts — including one of him vacationing in Canada — to object to his lurid comments about the restaurant worker.

“You can be 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 a sector where women are already constantly victims of sexual harassment and abuse. Take a look in the mirror and look at yourself,” read another.

“Women in the hospitality industry and women around the world deserve an apology.”