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

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone has defended his recent stint as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia after being criticized by fans.

The restaurateur, 48, has dismissed criticism from viewers this season for being “too harsh” and “nasty” to contestants.

However, Curtis has now defended his tactics and explained how his tough love was designed to push the contestants to showcase their talent.

Curtis told Yahoo Lifestyle how her judging style changed as they neared the finale and insisted the contestants appreciated her “harsh” criticism.

“So I always think that as a chef, you have to be a good mentor, and you have to feel your team, you have to understand where they are 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 made them stretch, and I think, you know, they were really thankful for it at the end, and it was really, really fun.”

His comments come after fans became concerned with Curtis over the way he delivered his comments during the 2024 season of MasterChef.

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone has defended his recent stint as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia after being criticized by fans

The 48-year-old restaurateur (centre right) has dismissed criticism from viewers this season for being “too harsh” and “nasty” to the contestants.

One viewer even compared the Australian foodie to famous celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

Curtis was front and center for two major challenges in two episodes in one week, and fans weren’t happy with how the Coles food ambassador handled the trial.

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

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

Others drew 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 in the thread.

“At least Jamie Oliver helps out and answers questions.”

“Maybe Curtis is trying to get into Gordon Ramsay territory,” one person said.

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

However, Curtis has now defended his tactics and explained how his tough love was designed to push the contestants to showcase their talent.

“I’m betting Curtis has to do this as part of his deal with Coles. He doesn’t look at all happy to be here.

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

‘Star Curtis!!!’ one said while another commented: ‘Fabulous!!!! excellent!!! fantastic!!!’

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