Celebrity chef Neil Perry has faced significant backlash from critics following comments he made about Hollywood actress Demi Moore during a discussion about the weight loss drug Ozempic. The 63-year-old restaurateur, who owns two establishments in Sydney's eastern suburbs, made the remarks during an interview with The Australian newspaper.
Controversial Comments About Demi Moore
When asked whether the Ozempic trend had influenced his restaurant offerings or portion sizes, Perry responded that it remained business as usual. However, he then referenced Demi Moore's recent red carpet appearances, which have sparked widespread speculation about potential GLP-1 medication use.
'When you see someone like Demi Moore the other day – you know, God, one of the world's most beautiful women. All my life, I've just thought she was so gorgeous because I'm a bit older than her, but you know, she's sort of in my era,' Perry stated during the interview.
Medical Concerns About Ozempic
The celebrity chef expressed serious concerns about weight loss medications like Ozempic, claiming they 'waste muscle' in addition to fat. He elaborated on this point with a striking comparison.
'Ozempic doesn't just waste fat, it wastes muscle,' Perry explained. 'And that's one of the really bad things. And you see somebody almost Biafran kind of thin, but you also know how important that muscle mass is for you as you get older.'
Perry clarified that he was referring to maintaining 'toned muscle on your bones and eating well' when discussing muscle mass. He further compared the pharmaceutical industry to Big Tobacco, suggesting potential future legal consequences.
'I think it's like the tobacco industry,' he remarked. 'In 25 years' time, everybody will be suing the s*** out of them.'
Social Media Backlash
When a segment of the interview appeared on The Australian's Instagram page, numerous commenters criticised Perry's remarks. Many questioned his qualifications to discuss medical matters.
'Ozempic is a medication prescribed by a Dr for a chronic disease. It is not a food. I don't understand why a chef is being asked about his opinion on a drug?' one commenter wrote.
Another added: 'When did Neil become a medical specialist?' while a third criticised his 'unqualified opinion' with: 'It's like asking your GP how to cook a steak. Sharing a non-medical professional or non-scientists explanations of how a medication works is irrelevant and irresponsible.'
Body Shaming Accusations
Some commenters went further, accusing Perry of body shaming the acclaimed actress. 'Yeah mate, you're not a doctor so let's not listen to you body shaming a gorgeous woman. Have you looked in the mirror lately?' one critic wrote.
However, not all responses were negative. Several social media users expressed agreement with Perry's perspective on the weight loss drug trend.
'Appreciate the chef's sentiments and 100 percent agree,' one supporter wrote, while another commented: 'For everyone saying he can't discuss it. Yes he can. He was asked and tbh his answer was sensible.'
A third supporter summarised this viewpoint: 'Spot on! Life is about enjoying food with friends and family.'
Demi Moore's Recent Appearances
Meanwhile, Demi Moore has generated concern among observers with her noticeably slim figure during recent public appearances. Following her attendance at the 2026 Actor Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month, social media users expressed worry about her physique.
'Is she on Ozempic?' one user questioned on social media platform X. 'Too skinny,' another commented, while a third observer noted: 'She... didn't look like this last year, did she?'
One more user asked: 'Good grief, is all of Hollywood on Ozempic?' The actress, famous for her role in GI Jane, has prompted similar concerns after appearances at both the Oscars and the SAG Awards this month.
Daily Mail has reportedly reached out to Neil Perry for additional comment regarding the controversy. The celebrity chef, pictured with his wife Samantha, has not yet issued a formal response to the criticism surrounding his interview remarks.
