Why is MasterChef in the news?
The popular BBC cookery show is at the centre of a long-running controversy following complaints about the behaviour of its co-presenter, Gregg Wallace. Though his on-screen persona is of an avuncular everyday bloke, off-camera, he is accused of using inappropriate sexual language and, in one instance, initiating unwelcome physical contact. Other complaints include that he pulled down his trousers in front of a coworker. Then Rod Stewart weighed in.
Rod Stewart?
The singer’s wife, Penny Lancaster, appeared on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021 and, according to Stewart, Wallace “humiliated” her on set. “Good Riddance, Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that part cut out, didn’t you?” he wrote on social media. “You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya.”
What was Wallace’s response to the allegations?
He initially fought tooth and nail for his job. He admitted using inappropriate language, but denied the more serious charges. “I will not go quietly,” Wallace wrote on Instagram. “I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established. The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.”
Did he have anything else to say?
He claimed his behaviour could be attributed to undiagnosed autism and said that, as a neurodiverse person, the BBC had not done enough to support him. “Nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years.”
RM Block
How did the BBC respond?
The corporation commissioned an external investigation by law firm Lewis Silkin into Wallace’s conduct which has now substantiated 45 allegations against him, including the use of inappropriate sexual language and physical contact. He was fired last week.
So co-presenter John Torode will have to front the show on his own?
Not quite. The external report also upheld a complaint that Torode used “racist language” in 2018. He said he had no recollection of having done so, but the BBC has sacked him.
Where does that leave MasterChef?
Up in the air. The 21st season was due to air in February but has been put on hold – a huge setback for the amateur chefs who put blood, sweat and tears into competing for the title. This week, BBC’s director general Tim Davie said he was reflecting on whether it is appropriate to broadcast the episodes.
[ Gregg Wallace dropped by BBC over doubts he could ‘change behaviour’Opens in new window ]
“Those amateur chefs gave a lot to take part, it means a lot, it can be an enormous break if you come through the show,” he said. “So I want to just reflect on that with the team and make a decision, and we’ll communicate that in due course.”
