MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has responded to allegations of historic misconduct, dismissing the claims as coming from a “handful of middle-class women of a certain age” after a BBC News investigation revealed multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Wallace addressed the situation in an Instagram video, stating that out of over 4,000 contestants he has worked with in 20 years, only 13 complaints have been made. The investigation involved 13 people across five different shows, including broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who appeared on Celebrity MasterChef.
In his video, Wallace suggested that women have also made sexual remarks towards him over the years, attempting to challenge the allegations. His lawyers have strongly denied any sexually harassing behavior, while the BBC stated they will listen to any direct complaints.
Actress Emma Kennedy, a 2012 Celebrity MasterChef winner who previously complained about Wallace’s behavior, criticized his response. She emphasized that inappropriate behavior is unacceptable regardless of a woman’s age or background.
The allegations are particularly significant because the BBC was previously warned about Wallace’s conduct. In 2017, radio host Aasmah Mir complained to the corporation about inappropriate comments. An internal email from BBC executive Kate Phillips described his on-set behavior as “unacceptable and cannot continue.”
The Observer reported that a letter containing multiple claims of inappropriate behavior was sent to the BBC in 2022 but was not further investigated at the time. Following the recent BBC News investigation, MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK announced that Wallace would step away from presenting while the allegations are investigated.
Wallace posted screenshots of supportive messages from alleged former contestants and wore a Matt Hampson Foundation T-shirt during his video statement. However, the charity quickly distanced itself, stating they “do not condone the kind of behaviour and comments contained in these allegations.”
TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall suggested that Wallace should be listening rather than responding defensively to the allegations.
Banijay UK has now appointed London law firm Lewis Silkin to conduct a “rigorous” investigation into the misconduct claims. The spokesperson described the firm as a “highly experienced specialist investigations team” capable of handling high-profile workplace investigations.
The BBC has maintained that they have “robust processes” in place to address such issues when they are raised. Wallace has stated he is committed to fully cooperating with the investigation.
The situation has raised questions about the BBC’s handling of previous complaints and the broader issue of workplace behavior in the entertainment industry. As more people have come forward with allegations since the initial investigation, the scrutiny on Wallace continues to intensify.
