Labour MP and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has hit out at the ‘culture of silence’ in a stern message to the BBC following the latest scandal involving Gregg Wallace
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has issued the BBC with a stern message, claiming there is a “culture of silence” amid the Gregg Wallace scandal.
MasterChef star Wallace, 60, faces a number of complaints over his alleged inappropriate behaviour on set over the years. So far, 13 people across a range of shows over his 17-year tenure have made claims against hi. While he denies any wrongdoing, he has stepped away from his MasterChef role and the show’s production company, Banijay UK, has confirmed it is taking the allegations ‘incredibly seriously’ and has launched an investigation.
The BBC has since pulled two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials from its schedule. Labour MP Nandy has since appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee to discuss the work of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). She addressed recent questions of behaviour, including against Wallace, and said: “I have spoken with the BBC in recent weeks about the Gregg Wallace allegations; I am really clear that we’re seeing too many of these cultures of silence and issues being swept under the rug.
“People who cannot advance through the current complaint system because it would have an impact on their career, potentially ending their career. And I am clear that people need to be heard, action has to be taken, and perpetrators have to be held to account.”
She added:”I think instinctively that it is better if the industry grips this, but if they don’t, I will be prepared to take further action.”
When questioned by the Mirror, the BBC shared a note sent to the organisation’s staff by Director-General Tim Davie and Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore. In it, they told staff they had their “total support” if they were to raise any issues around workplace behaviour.
They added: “With regard to the latest issues on MasterChef, we will support Banijay UK – the producers of the programme – as they complete their investigation.” They also insisted it is “critical” for the BBC to uphold its values and said they won’t tolerate any behaviour that falls below the standards expected.
“We are working with our unions and outside bodies like the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) to improve the experience for people working on productions, including freelancers,” the communication added.
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