The Great British Bake Off has faced a backlash from viewers over its Mexican Week opening segment, in which presenters Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas wore ponchos and sombrero-style hats. The pair exchanged jokes, with Noel saying, 'I don't feel like we should make Mexican jokes because people will get upset,' to which Matt replied, 'What, not even Juan?' Noel then deadpanned, 'Not even Juan.'
Many viewers took to Twitter to express their anger, calling the costumes and jokes 'offensive' and 'cringe'. One wrote, 'I love Bake Off to death, but Mexican Week was an abomination.' Another said, 'You’ve gotta figure Mel and Sue wouldn’t dress up in offensive Mexican costumes for the worst joke of all time on Bake Off.' Others questioned the decision to hold a Mexican-themed week in 2022, with one viewer tweeting, 'like why are y’all doing a Mexican week on Great British Bake Off making taco jokes… in 2022?'
The segment was criticised for relying on stereotypes, with one viewer noting, 'Tacky jokes about Mexican stereotypes and no attempt to properly pronounce the language (from Noel/Matt). Hopefully it's a one-off.' Another added, 'It’s 2022. I’m sure you can make jokes without relying on stereotypes.' Some also pointed out that the hats were not authentic sombreros, with one writing, 'Also those are not sombreros.'
During Mexican Week, the bakers made pan dulce for the Signature challenge, tacos for the Technical, and a Tres Leches cake 'inspired by Mexico' for the Showstopper. Maxy Maligisa was named star baker, while James Dewar and Rebs Lightbody were eliminated.
