Gregg Wallace breaks silence on John Torode MasterChef axe with warning to TV stars

Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has responded to John Torode's contract not being renewed at the BBC cooking programme following racism allegations. Wallace, 60, was only recently axed from the series following an investigation into his inappropriate behaviour.

Banijay - which produces MasterChef - released a report into Wallace's behaviour on the show, conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin. The company's investigation substantiated 45 of the allegations made against the presenter, the majority of which related to inappropriate sexual language and humour.

Meanwhile, a small number of allegations relating to the star being in a state of undress and one claim of unwanted physical contact were also substantiated. Torode, who hosted MasterChef for nearly 20 years, confirmed recently he was the person alleged to have used racist language after an investigation into Wallace. However, Torode claimed he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened. He is reportedly set to take legal actions against his former employers.

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Earlier this month, the BBC confirmed Torode's contract will not be renewed, saying: "The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”

The production company, Banijay, also said that it had taken the matter “incredibly seriously”. Following Banijay and the BBC's statement, Wallace responded to the news after claiming he "won't be the last" to be hitting headlines.

Speaking in a new interview, Wallace declared: "I'll tell you one thing right now: John Torode is not a racist. I've known John for 30 years and he is not a racist. And as evidence of that, I'll show you the incredible diversity of the people that he has championed, MasterChef winners, over the years."

He added to The Sun: "There is no way that man is a racist. No way. And my sympathies go out to John because I don't want anybody to go through what I've been through."

Torode said he learned from reading media reports about his “sacking” from MasterChef for using a racist term but added “it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else”.

The celebrity chef, 59, said he had not heard from the BBC or the production company Banijay UK, and repeated that he still had no recollection of the accusation against him, in a statement posted on his Instagram account on July 15.

He then posted a lengthy statement on Instagram, saying: "Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.

“The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that.”

Wallace was sacked by the BBC after a report led by law firm Lewis Silkin, and published on July 14, said that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace, during his time on the show, were substantiated, including one allegation of “unwelcome physical contact”.

Speaking after the findings was revealed, Wallace said in a statement: "For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld.

"I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended. I’m relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark."

He added: "I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread.

"I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier. A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake."

Wallace went on to say: "To those who’ve shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place.

"I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last. There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move."

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