My Kitchen Rules has sparked a backlash after two contestants branded Queensland city Logan ‘the slums’ – prompting a fiery response from local Mayor Jon Raven.

The remarks were made during Monday night’s season premiere, when Cairns-based couple Michael Edelberg and Rielli Portegys bluntly dismissed fellow contestants Lauren and Lilli simply because of their hometown.

‘This is going to be the easiest competition ever,’ Michael told fellow contestants.

‘Logan has a bit of a reputation… for being the slums. I’d generalise the whole of it as The Logan bogans.’

Tensions then rose when Lauren admitted she hadn’t tried many exotic dishes, including raw fish – prompting a cheeky comment from Michael.

‘She’s from Logan, all I know from Logan is you have a meat pie and a pack of durries,’ Michael quipped.

My Kitchen Rules has sparked a backlash after two contestants branded Queensland city Logan ‘the slums’ – prompting a fiery response from local Mayor Jon Raven. The remarks came during Monday night’s season premiere, from Cairns couple Michael and Rielli

‘And maybe a chockie milk,’ Rielli added with a cheeky laugh.

The controversial remarks quickly ruffled the feathers of Logan residents, including Mayor Jon Raven who spoke out to Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Brisbane.

Mayor Raven said he was disgusted by the remarks which he claimed completely misrepresented the vibrant city that is home to 350,000 people.

‘This bloke has clearly never been to Logan. He should focus on cooking instead of trying to play the villain by attacking our city,’ Raven said.

‘To label our city as a slum is completely inappropriate and offensive. Logan is an amazing place to live and raise a family.

‘Instead of trying to tear us down, he could learn a thing or two about good manners and good cooking by spending some time here.’

Raven then admitted some good had come from the remarks, as it provided an opportunity to dismiss negative Logan stereotypes.

‘I’m surprised these comments even made the edit, but I’m glad they did because now I get to challenge these outdated stereotypes that just aren’t true,’ he said.

Logan-based contestants Lauren and Lilli were offended by Michael’s shock remarks

The controversial remarks quickly ruffled the feathers of Logan residents, including Mayor Jon Raven who spoke out to Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Brisbane

‘Logan is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in Australia with over 230 cultures. It thrives on the strength of our people and community spirit,’ he continued.

‘People who live in Logan love it, but everyone else talks us down. We know the truth and we’re proud of our home. We’re ready to stand up for our city and community.’

Influencer and reality TV star Joe Fa’agase also spoke out.

‘While we may be a humble city, some of us also work in reality television and are actively trying to change the narrative,’ he said.

‘There is so much hope and determination here – Logan is filled with people striving for a brighter future and working every day to reshape outdated stereotypes.

‘Beyond the unfair ‘Logan bogan’ stereotype, there’s creativity, diversity and a wealth of talent that deserves recognition over his limited ability to cook steak.

Some of the nation’s most recognisable names hail from Logan, including Savage Garden’s Darren Hayes and TV presenter Sonia Kruger.