An Australian baker has been the subject of intense online scrutiny and has reportedly received a death threat after multiple customers accused her of reselling $7 Woolworths mud cakes for prices up to $180. Nadine Walters, 38, also faces allegations of delivering cakes that were the wrong flavor, contaminated with pet hair, and had a faint smell of smoke.
Customers voiced their grievances on a community Facebook page in Traralgon, Victoria, leading to a wave of cancelled orders. One customer, Steph Brown, shared her experience of receiving two botched cakes from Walters' business, Mrs Walters Wonderful Cakes. Brown stated that one cake, intended to be red velvet or chocolate, was delivered as lemon, and another three-layer Mississippi mud cake, ordered for a child's birthday, was found to be a standard Woolworths mud cake with fondant icing.
Ms Brown claimed that her sister-in-law, who ordered the mud cake, was informed by Walters that she had experienced an oven malfunction two days prior to the delivery and had to 'buy the layers' herself. Walters offered a $50 credit for this cake, stating she had not baked it herself. Brown alleges that her family has not received refunds for the incorrect orders and that Walters has since blocked them on social media.
In a text exchange with the Daily Mail, Walters reportedly stated, "You acted like I gave you a cake with f***ing poison in it." She further defended herself by saying, "I have made mistakes. Who hasn't running their own business? But I think my name has been dragged through the mud enough. Is it just the goal for me to have no income and lose everything I have for a few mistakes?"
Adding to the controversy, a video was posted to Walters' business page showing a confrontation with an irate customer at her home. The customer can be heard threatening to kill Walters if filmed. Walters confirmed she was recording the incident, stating, "I have no intention of stealing your money. But I have multiple people to refund because of that post."
Another customer anonymously shared images appearing to show pet hair on a cake. Walters, who owns pets, stated that she had undergone an inspection after a pet hair complaint and that no issues were found. She also noted that her Australian Business Register (ABR) listing for Mrs Walters Wonderful Cakes was canceled in March 2023.
Walters defended her actions, citing personal difficulties including moving twice in five years, a car accident involving her child, and having to return to work six weeks after giving birth with a broken collarbone. She asserted that while mistakes were made, she has attempted to rectify situations and does not deserve abuse or death threats. She also mentioned that refunds have been issued to those promised them.