MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace has released a lengthy statement on Instagram after being axed by the BBC following a nearly year-long investigation into misconduct claims – and we want to hear your thoughts
Gregg Wallace has been fired by the BBC following an investigation into alleged misconduct – and we want to hear your thoughts. In December, the former MasterChef presenter was accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and jokes over a 13-year period.
It comes as 50 more people have approached the BBC with fresh claims about Wallace, BBC News reports. Wallace has strongly denied all claims. After reportedly being informed of his dismissal from the BBC by production company Banijay, the former greengrocer released a statement saying he has been exonerated of the most serious allegations levelled against him.
The 60-year-old wrote on Instagram: “I have taken the decision to speak out ahead of the publication of the Silkins report – a decision I do not take lightly. But after 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me.
“The most damaging claims (including allegations from public figures, which have not been upheld) were found to be baseless after a full and forensic six-month investigation.” He also accused the BBC of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories.”
Gregg continued: “To be clear, the Silkin’s Report exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year and finds me primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.”
Now, Gregg has also claimed that “nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years”. As part of a lengthy statement, he shared: “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand.
“Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem. My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef.” In another part of his statement, he insisted he “will not go quietly” and “will not be cancelled for convenience”, adding: “The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”
The dad-of-three’s legal team have been given an early steer into the Silkins report, which is officially due out on Thursday. A series of complaints were made about the MasterChef last year, including ‘inappropriate behaviour’ and allegations of touching an assistant’s bottom on the BBC show.
Gregg stepped down from the show after denying the allegations, with his lawyers strongly denying Gregg engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Gregg insisted via his legal team: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
With the Silkins report due to be released this week, we want to know if you think Gregg should have been sacked over the MasterChef scandal? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
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