Publisher Pan Macmillan has dropped celebrity chef Pete Evans after he shared a controversial meme on his social media accounts.
The image featured a conversation between a caterpillar and a butterfly, supposedly in discussion about personal growth. However, the latter has the image of a Black Sun - a neo-Nazi symbol - on its wings.
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Evans said there were many interpretations to the meme but insisted that he doesn't align himself with white supremacy or neo-Nazism.
However, many were angry that he would share the image in the first place without providing proper context and meaning.
He's since apologised for the incident, however the fallout has been swift.
A statement from his publisher said: "Those views are not our views as a company or the views of our staff. Pan Macmillan is currently finalising its contractual relationship with Pete Evans and as such will not be entering any further publishing agreements moving forward.
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"If any retailer wishes to return Pete Evans' books please contact Pan Macmillan."
Bookseller Dymocks Australia also said it was 'in the process of removing his books from our website and have advised our stores to return their stock as offered by the publisher'.
Evans said he will take some time to evaluate what some of the symbolism is in different images and shared a rainbow heart as a peace offering to fans who were angry at him.
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He wrote on Facebook: "Sincere apologies to anyone who misinterpreted a previous post of a caterpillar and a butterfly having a chat over a drink and perceived that I was promoting hatred. I look forward to studying all of the symbols that have ever existed and research them thoroughly before posting. Hopefully this symbol resonates deeply into the hearts of ALL!"
It comes as he is tipped to be one of the people picked for the upcoming season of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here Australia.
Channel 10 shared a promotional tweet yesterday about the new season and it was flooded with comments from viewers saying they would not tune in if Evans was picked.
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TV Blackbox reports Evans and the producers of the reality TV show were in crisis talks yesterday afternoon, following the outcry over the neo-Nazi meme.
It's unclear whether the former TV chef will appear in the programme, however the network is due to announce the line-up soon.
Featured Image Credit: Pete Evans/Instagram
