One-time NRL star Luke Bateman is at the centre of a social media storm after posting a video announcing he has signed a book deal, with many of his former fans accusing him of benefiting from ‘white male privilege’.
Bateman, 30, has become an online sensation after revealing his interest in risqué romance and fantasy novels in a series of videos.
The former Canberra Raiders lock – who also appeared on The Bachelor in 2023 – has amassed 175,000 TikTok followers at the time of writing.
Earlier this week, Bateman took to social media to announce that he recently signed a two-book deal with Atria Books Australia.
‘This is a childhood dream come true for me. I’ve wanted to be an author my whole life, so it really blows me away,’ he said.
However, the announcement has sparked fierce backlash and debate about equity in the publishing industry.
Luke Bateman (pictured) has faced backlash after announcing he has signed a book deal despite appearing to have no experience as an author
The former footy and reality TV star said landing the book deal was a ‘dream come true’ for him – but his fans had a very different take on the news
‘A white man getting a book deal without having written anything? My jaw stayed right where it was,’ replied one user, with the comment getting more than 5000 likes.
‘This opportunity is the intersection of white privilege, male privilege, and pretty privilege. Not a reflection of worth,’ posted another.
‘Well good to see that publishing is still a colossal joke,’ replied a third.
TikTok users even posted their own video reactions to the news to express their outrage.
‘A white man joined BookTok on April 22 and less than two months later achieved getting a two-book epic fantasy deal with Atrium books that he credits to his success on BookTok,’ said @grapiedeltaco.
‘We don’t have very many details of what he’s already written, but it seems like he didn’t even have a manuscript.
‘Like it seems like he had a concept, which is something that many established authors who have already been traditionally published can’t even manage.’
Bateman has addressed the flood of criticism, insisting he understands the anger that’s been levelled at him.
‘I wholeheartedly understand how angry and resentful these things would make people,’ he said.
‘I obviously have advantages that other people don’t. How do I capitalise on those to help lift everyone up? Because I feel like dragging people down leaves everyone at the bottom, whereas a rising tide lifts all ships.
‘And if I can use my platform and my voice and my privilege and position in society to help uplift others, I say, that is what books are about.’
Bateman, who has lots of female admirers, is believed to be single following his split from Ellie Rolfe last year.
The pair met on The Bachelor and connected – but eventually went their separate ways.
‘Ellie and I would like to keep our relationship private,’ Bateman said at the time.
The burly farmer says he understands the anger regarding his book deal and will do what he can to uplift others
‘She has a soul that lights up every room she walks into and I will sorely miss it in my life.’
On the footy field, Bateman chalked up 71 appearances for the Raiders between 2015 and 2019.
A knee injury ended his career – and before his NRL debut, Bateman in 2014 publicly had to confirm he wasn’t gay.
It followed an on-field slur from current Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses, who was playing for NSW against the Maroons in an under-20s match.
‘I’m not gay,’ Bateman said.
‘I’ve had plenty of people from the gay community write to me or contact me on Twitter giving messages of support.
‘I said thanks guys….but I’m really not (gay).’
