... but an "editorial oversight" meant that did not happen.

[user_user]

Jamie Oliver pulls 'offensive' children's book from sale

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has pulled his new children's book from the shelves after complaints that it stereotyped Indigenous Australians.

www.saudigazette.com.sa

The book's publisher, Penguin Random House UK, said Oliver had requested Indigenous Australians be consulted over the book, but an "editorial oversight" meant that did not happen.

Question: I'm wondering about the structure. Is "but an 'editorial oversight' meant that did not happen" words from the book's publisher or from the author?

1. The book's publisher said Oliver had requested~, but said an "editorial oversight"~. (from "but" and after was said by the book's publisher)
2. The book's publisher said Oliver had requested, but an "editorial oversight"~. (from "but" and after is said by the author)

 

[emsr2d2]

I would assume that everything in that sentence that comes after "The book's publisher said ..." is an indirect quote of what they said.
However, you're right that it's ambiguous.

 

[Tarheel]

The ambiguity is there to be found if you look for it. Otherwise, I'd say that's what the publisher said.

 

[Skrej]

It's a blanket apology trying to spread the blame around to soothe ruffled feathers. Such PR statements are often deliberately ambiguous so that they seem meaningful without having too much real substance or accountability.