Australian television personality Osher Gunsberg has made a startling confession about his complicated relationship with veganism, admitting to harboring what he describes as an innate "hatred" of vegans despite following a strictly plant-based diet himself for over two decades.
The Podcast Revelation
The surprising admission emerged during a candid conversation on Gunsberg's own podcast, Better Than Yesterday, where the 51-year-old former Bachelor host was interviewing Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss. The pair were discussing their personal pet peeves within ideological debates when Gunsberg dropped his bombshell statement.
"I f***ing hate vegans and I'm vegan," Gunsberg declared bluntly, to which Sloss expressed immediate agreement. The television personality explained that his aversion is so strong that he deliberately avoids using the term "vegan" when describing his dietary choices.
Tactical Disagreements
"They're the reason that I tell people: 'Oh I'm just plant-based.' I'd never use that word," Gunsberg continued, elaborating on his frustration with what he perceives as militant vegan tactics. He specifically criticized aggressive conversion methods employed by some advocates.
"Like, I'm not going to show you footage of an abattoir, I'm not going to do that," he stated firmly. "I'm not going to make weird 'meat is murder' comments while you're eating, I'm not going to ask: 'How does that face taste?'"
Philosophical Differences
Gunsberg emphasized that while he personally follows a "each to their own" philosophy regarding dietary choices, he believes many vocal vegans need to moderate their approach. "What you put in your mouth is your business, but for God's sakes, f***ing pipe down, guys," he advised.
The television host identified what he called another major "ick" factor within vegan communities: unrealistic purity standards. "Why I can't stand it is you can never be pure enough," Gunsberg observed. "It just shoots itself in the foot every time by trying to bully people into it."
Logies Dining Disappointments
This isn't the first time Gunsberg has publicly expressed frustration with vegan experiences. The host, who also suffers from coeliac disease, recently criticized the plant-based options at Australia's prestigious Logie Awards.
Sharing a TikTok video of himself dancing in 2023, Gunsberg sarcastically commented on the culinary offerings at previous events. "When you're a vegan coeliac at the Logies and realise that dinner isn't a fking veggie stack," he wrote in the caption.
In the comments section, he humorously suggested creating betting odds for what disappointing meal might be served. "I am considering asking Sports Bet to run a book on it. Veggie stack is paying $1.27 but s***ty mushroom risotto is the outside chance at $1.84," he joked.
Past Logies Experiences
This dining dissatisfaction has historical precedent. Back in 2018, Gunsberg revealed he was forced to bring his own meal to the Logies ceremony due to his specific dietary requirements. Appearing on The Kyle & Jackie O Show at the time, he explained his unusual approach.
"Yes I brought my own dinner to the Logies, I got diagnosed a coeliac," he admitted. "I'm vegan, coeliac and sober. I'm the most boring man in Sydney."
Gunsberg detailed the medical necessity behind his precautions: "Anything that has gluten in it can make me sick. So if gluten touches my small intestine, that's where a lot of the food absorption happens."
When asked how he managed to bring his meal into the exclusive event, Gunsberg revealed he enlisted help. "I asked a publicist to take it. I had a little takeaway pack," he explained with a laugh, noting he enjoyed a healthy plant-based meal from one of his favorite vegan restaurants that evening.
Gunsberg's contradictory position highlights the complex relationship many people have with dietary labels and communities, demonstrating that personal lifestyle choices don't always align with ideological affiliations or community expectations.
