Perth chef John Mountain, owner of Fyre Bar & Restaurant, has intensified controversy by defending his use of the term ‘gang rape’ to describe a hectic Friday service, while renewing attacks on vegans.
The Initial Video and Response
Mountain shared a now-deleted video ahead of a busy Friday, stating: ‘Everybody is coming on Friday, oh my God, we’re going to get gang raped on Friday. Saturday is looking good, and we look forward to seeing you then. Don’t forget, be square or be vegan. Don’t be either, f*** vegans.’
When a social media user challenged the language, Mountain replied: ‘Nine out of ten people agree w gang rape.’ That response was also removed shortly after.
Public Backlash
The comments drew sharp criticism online, particularly from journalist Sherele Moody, who focuses on violence against women. Moody posted: ‘Don’t you love when business owners use “gang rape” in their marketing plan? He says he has so many bookings this Friday that he’s going to be “gang raped”… he doubled the f*** down with “nine out of 10 people agree w gang rape”.’
Apology and Follow-Up
Mountain later expressed regret, emphasizing: ‘There’s nothing f****g funny about rape at all in any way, shape, or form.’ He added: ‘Sadly, and stupidly, I said one wrong thing that was then taken out of context, and it’s just made me look like a complete and utter dick. I genuinely apologise. I genuinely do. I don’t say s to offend people. Sometimes stupid jokes come out, and it’s just wrong. I’m sorry. I genuinely didn’t mean for anybody to be offended by that. Please accept my apologies.’
He also conveyed sympathy for rape victims and clarified opposition to gang rape.
Despite the apology, Mountain posted another video mocking detractors, claiming the uproar boosted his business. He said: ‘Look, I’ve been through a lot of s*** before and I don’t mind going through it again because it elevated our business and now it’s a bit upsetting to an extent but get f****d. All you one-star reviews. I really don’t give a s***. It was supposed to be humour. If you don’t get humour, wrap yourself up in a blanket, drink hot chocolate and go to bed early. So f*** you and f*** vegans.’
Past Clash with Vegan Activist
Mountain previously clashed with vegan activist Tash Peterson in 2023, announcing a ban on vegans at his restaurant and pursuing a Violence Restraining Order after her protests. He explained: ‘I’m not against vegans in any way shape or form, I think they’re all beautiful people. It’s just when they behave like a**holes.’
