The BBC has mentioned it has no plans to work with the previous Masterchef presenter once more
Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has mentioned he was “deeply sorry” for the misery his behaviour brought on and mentioned he “by no means got down to hurt or humiliate”. It comes as a report mentioned {that a} complete of 45 out of the 83 allegations made towards him throughout his time on the present have been substantiated, together with one allegation of “unwelcome bodily contact”.
In a press release to the PA information company, he mentioned: “For eight months, my household and I’ve lived beneath a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by hearsay and clickbait. Not one of the critical allegations towards me have been upheld. I challenged the remaining situation of undesirable touching however have needed to settle for a distinction in notion, and I’m deeply sorry for any misery brought on. It was by no means supposed.
“I’m relieved that the Banijay report totally recognises that my behaviour modified profoundly in 2018. A few of my humour and language missed the mark. I by no means got down to hurt or humiliate. I at all times tried to convey heat and help to MasterChef, on display screen and off.
“After almost 20 years on the present, I now see that sure patterns, formed by traits I’ve solely not too long ago begun to grasp, could have been misinterpret. I additionally settle for that extra might have been accomplished, by others and on my own, to handle considerations earlier.
“A late autism analysis has helped me perceive how I talk and the way I’m perceived. I’m nonetheless studying. Banijay have given me nice help, and I thank them. However ultimately, the BBC left me uncovered to trial by media and the harm it leaves in its wake.
“To those that’ve proven kindness, thanks. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct method, fashionable broadcasting has turn into a harmful place. I used to be the headline this time. However I received’t be the final.
“There can be extra casualties if the BBC continues down this path, the place defending its legacy issues greater than defending individuals. In my opinion, with full authorized help, I’ll think about my subsequent transfer.”
In November 2024 the present’s manufacturing firm, Banijay UK, introduced that Wallace would step away from his position on MasterChef whereas historic allegations of misconduct have been investigated. The report, led by regulation agency Lewis Silkin, discovered that the “majority of the allegations towards Mr Wallace (94%) associated to behavior which is claimed to have occurred between 2005 and 2018”, with just one allegation substantiated after 2018.
It additionally concluded that the “majority of the substantiated allegations towards Mr Wallace associated to inappropriate sexual language and humour”, including that “a smaller variety of allegations of different inappropriate language and being in a state of undress have been additionally substantiated”, with “one incident of unwelcome bodily contact” additionally substantiated.
The report famous that throughout the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month interval, Wallace was recognized with autism spectrum dysfunction, and mentioned that the findings needs to be seen within the context of his neurodiversity. Throughout the investigation, it was additionally discovered that “10 standalone allegations have been made towards different individuals, two of which have been substantiated”, referring to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the opposite for racist language.
Wallace, 60, has been “co-operative and forthcoming” and was interviewed thrice by the investigations crew, for a complete of greater than 14 hours of interview. However Banijay UK mentioned that “Wallace’s return to MasterChef (is) untenable” following the variety of sustained allegations.
Patrick Holland, chief govt of Banijay UK, mentioned that whereas the report “makes for uncomfortable studying, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures”, it additionally offered “beneficial perception to make sure that going ahead everybody engaged on our productions feels secure and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is shortly and professionally handled”.
Mr Holland added: “In earlier years, particularly previous to 2016 the place the overwhelming majority of those points arose, it’s clear that escalation procedures weren’t as strong as they need to have been, and consciousness of insurance policies and procedures have been missing significantly amongst freelance workers.”
He mentioned Wallace wouldn’t be returning to MasterChef, including: “We’re extraordinarily sorry to anybody who has been impacted by this behaviour and felt unable to talk up on the time or that their criticism was not adequately addressed. MasterChef is a much-loved present which, 12 months in, 12 months out, modifications the lives and careers of contestants, beginner {and professional} alike. It’s made by a superb crew of excellent professionals and we look ahead to bringing extra distinctive cooking to screens within the coming months and years.”
The BBC additionally mentioned it has “knowledgeable” Wallace that it has “no plans to work with him in future”, including in a press release: “The investigation particulars a considerable variety of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls under the values of the BBC and the expectations we have now for anybody who works with or for us.
“Though the complete extent of those points weren’t recognized on the related time, alternatives have been missed to handle this behaviour, each by the manufacturing firms working MasterChef and the BBC. We settle for extra might and will have been accomplished sooner.”
The BBC additionally addressed the way forward for a sequence of MasterChef filmed final 12 months which has not but been aired, saying that they had not made a last determination on broadcasting it, including: “We all know that is disappointing for followers of the present and people who took half, and on the applicable time Banijay UK will seek the advice of additional with the beginner contestants.
Their assertion added: “We wish to reaffirm, there isn’t a place for the abuse of energy, unacceptable behaviour or language on the BBC, or reveals made for the BBC.”
Tradition Secretary Lisa Nandy mentioned the allegations towards Wallace have been “horrendous and appalling”, and she or he welcomed the BBC’s determination to finish its affiliation with the MasterChef presenter.
Ms Nandy mentioned: “Nonetheless, this case highlights a wider situation and way more should be accomplished to make sure that everybody working within the inventive industries is handled with dignity, equity, and respect. That’s the reason we’re urging the entire sector to help the Artistic Industries Impartial Requirements Authority (CIISA), which is able to uphold and enhance requirements of behaviour to guard these working within the inventive industries. We’re taking a look at methods to make sure that CIISA has correct buy-in and help from throughout the sector, in order that unacceptable behaviour and abuses of energy are prevented from occurring sooner or later.”
Final 12 months a BBC Information investigation revealed a string of allegations of inappropriate sexual feedback and alleged inappropriate behaviour towards Wallace by 13 individuals who labored with him throughout a variety of reveals over a 17-year interval, together with former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark.
An announcement from Wallace’s attorneys on the time mentioned that it “is solely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”, as reported by BBC Information. In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour got here from “a handful of middle-class girls of a sure age”.
After a backlash, he apologised for any “offence” or “upset” brought on and mentioned he would “take a while out”. Forward of the official publishing of the exterior overview, Wallace claimed in an Instagram submit on July 8 that he had been cleared of the “most critical and sensational accusations” towards him.
He added that his neurodiversity had “now formally (been) recognized as autism”, saying within the social media submit that it was “suspected and mentioned by colleagues throughout numerous seasons of MasterChef”.
His social media submit and the report come because the TV presenter and former greengrocer confronted claims from 50 or extra individuals, as reported by BBC Information final week, with the bulk saying he made inappropriate sexual feedback, and 11 girls accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, corresponding to groping and touching.
Wallace was the unique presenter of the BBC present Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has additionally featured on Eat Properly For Much less?, Inside The Manufacturing unit, Flip Again Time, Harvest and Grocery store Secrets and techniques.
He was most recognized, nevertheless, for presenting MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, and Movie star MasterChef.
