Gregg Wallace, the well-known presenter of MasterChef UK, has been dismissed from the show amid a wave of misconduct allegations. Reports indicate that over 50 individuals have come forward with fresh allegations against him, including accusations of groping a staff member and indecent exposure in front of others.
While Wallace denies the allegations, he has lost his position on the BBC cooking programme. An independent inquiry into 13 previous allegations is being conducted by a private law firm for Banijay, the production company behind the show. Wallace has expressed his belief that the BBC is engaging in a smear campaign for publicity, asserting that a prior investigation cleared him of the most severe allegations. He admitted that some of his “humour and language” were inappropriate and apologised, but firmly stated that he is not the caricature portrayed in the media.
The BBC has not yet reviewed the law firm’s report, which remains confidential. A previous internal investigation uncovered that 13 individuals had lodged complaints, primarily regarding sexually inappropriate comments. The recent allegations predominantly consist of claims related to inappropriate jokes, with 11 women specifically alleging sexual misconduct involving groping and unwanted touching.
Some of the reported incidents are particularly troubling, with one woman alleging that Wallace exposed himself in front of her in a dressing room and described the act as “predatory”. Another said that she felt “absolutely horrified” after he groped her. Further accusations detail an encounter from 2000, in which Wallace allegedly reached under a table during dinner with a contestant, making inappropriate remarks.
Witness accounts from male colleagues corroborating the alleged misconduct have also been included in the BBC’s ongoing investigation. As a prominent figure in British television, Wallace’s situation brings to light concerns regarding workplace conduct, particularly regarding the hesitance of victims to report misconduct due to fears of professional repercussions.
The unfolding events surrounding Gregg Wallace have sparked significant media attention and raised important discussions about accountability and the culture within the television industry, especially in light of the myriad allegations against him.