An American social media star has ignited a fierce backlash from Australians after he branded the nation's beloved Bunnings sausage sizzle a mere 'hot dog'. Make-up artist and influencer James Charles, 26, sampled the iconic charity snack for the first time in a TikTok video that has since been viewed a staggering 4.4 million times, sparking calls for his figurative deportation.
The Infamous TikTok Taste Test
While holidaying on the Gold Coast, Charles visited a Bunnings store in Burleigh after fans insisted he try the legendary weekend fixture. In the clip, he expressed confusion about the concept, stating he didn't understand why sausages were being sold at a hardware store and panning his camera over the modest green tent and volunteers. He ordered six sausage sandwiches with onions and a drink, generously rounding his $25 total up to a $100 donation for the charity running the stall.
However, the moment of culinary truth triggered a national outcry. Upon receiving his snag—a barbecued sausage served in a slice of white bread with onion and sauce—Charles declared, "This is a sausage sizzle? It's just a hotdog." He proceeded to add ketchup and mustard, took a bite, and doubled down, insisting, "It's literally just a hotdog." His only critique was a desire for thicker bread to improve the "bread-to-sausage sizzle ratio".
Aussie Outrage and Cultural Defence
The video quickly attracted over 5000 comments, with Australians uniting to defend their cultural institution. Many were deeply offended by his terminology, passionately correcting him. "JAMES YOU CAN'T JUST SAY IT'S A HOTDOG," one user wrote, while another explained, "It's neither hot dog meat nor in a hot dog bun, we do have hotdogs." The backlash was swift and severe, with jokes about revoking his visa taking centre stage.
Comments like "Your visa needs to be revoked" and "Stop disrespecting our culture" flooded the post. Others expressed sheer disbelief at the disrespect shown to the "legendary" Bunno snag. Charles engaged in the debate, replying to one critic with, "I'm sorry it literally is," further fuelling the fire. The incident highlights the deep sentimental value Australians place on the simple Bunnings sausage sizzle, a weekly tradition where community groups barbecue to raise funds for local causes.
More Than Just a Snag: A National Institution
The reaction underscores that the Bunnings sausage sizzle is far more than a quick meal; it's a cherished social ritual. The snack's specific composition—a sausage on white bread with optional onion and tomato or BBQ sauce—is non-negotiable for purists. Charles's application of American condiments like mustard and his fundamental mislabelling were seen as a failure to appreciate a key part of Australian community life. While the influencer's charitable donation was noted, it was not enough to save him from the wrath of a nation protective of its snag.
