Former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace made a cryptic comment a few hours before it was revealed that John Torode was also axed from the show
Gregg Wallace shared a cryptic comment not long after he was axed from MasterChef following the publication of a report into misconduct claims against him. More than 50 people came forward to make allegations of misconduct against the former MasterChef judge.
The report, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin, divided the complaints into seven categories. Of the 45 upheld, 12 were for inappropriate comments (jokes and innuendo), 16 were sexually explicit comments, three were for being in a state of undress, two were for sexualised comments made to or about someone, four were over being culturally insensitive or racist, seven were over bullying and one was for unwanted physical contact.
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The BBC soon said it welcomed the findings from Lewis Silkin and confirmed that Wallace had been informed that “we have no plans to work with him in future”. On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.
Banijay UK and the BBC soon said John Torode’s contract also wasn’t being renewed over racist comment allegations. Hours before it was confirmed Torode was axed, Wallace claimed he “won’t be the last” person to be hitting headlines.
He said in his statement: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld.
“I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.
“I’m relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.
“After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.
“A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning.”
He went on to thank Banijay and fans for their support before slamming the BBC for ‘leaving his exposed to trial by media’. He then claimed there would ‘be more casualties’.
Wallace said: “This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last.
“There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.”
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