In a significant announcement, the BBC confirmed its decision to end its collaboration with longtime MasterChef host Gregg Wallace after a thorough investigation substantiated numerous sexual misconduct allegations against him.
BBC Cuts Ties with MasterChef Host Gregg Wallace Amid Misconduct Findings
BBC Cuts Ties with MasterChef Host Gregg Wallace Amid Misconduct Findings
The BBC has decided to sever its relationship with Gregg Wallace following numerous upheld allegations of sexual misconduct.
The BBC has announced it will no longer collaborate with Gregg Wallace, the prominent host of its popular television series “MasterChef,” following a comprehensive investigation that validated multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Out of the 83 claims filed against Wallace, 45 were confirmed, shedding light on seriously concerning behaviors. These include instances where Wallace was found to be “in a state of undress,” as well as cases of inappropriate physical contact. While many allegations pertained to sexual innuendo and comments deemed culturally or racially insensitive, the investigation revealed a broader pattern of unprofessional conduct.
The inquiry, carried out by the law firm Lewis Silkin, spanned seven months and involved interviews with 78 witnesses, examining incidents that took place between 2005 and 2024. The results revealed a troubling pattern of behavior that led Banijay, the production company behind MasterChef, to declare that Wallace’s reinstatement on the show was "untenable."
Gregg Wallace has publicly denied many of the allegations, penning a now-deleted statement on Instagram. He admitted that his humor and language were occasionally inappropriate, and expressed regret for any offense caused, though he rejected the characterization of his behavior as that of a caricature. He defended his long-standing television persona, which was cultivated as a “cheeky greengrocer,” suggesting that today’s more sanitized standards have unfairly painted his personality as problematic.
The departure of Wallace, who has been part of the MasterChef brand for 19 years, marks a significant shift in the show's hosting dynamic and raises questions about conduct and accountability in the entertainment industry.
