Gregg Wallace steps down from MasterChef: What we know about the ‘historical allegations’
13 people have made claims against him
Today, it has been reported Gregg Wallace has stepped down from presenting MasterChef, as the BBC conducts an investigation into “historical allegations.” Previously, allegations of inappropriate sexual comments were made about the host.
As the BBC investigates, Wallace is said to be “co-operating” but has said the claims are “completely false”. Allegations have been made by 13 people, who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period.
BBC News reportedly sent a letter to Wallace’s representatives on Tuesday setting out allegations. Wallace’s lawyers have said it is “entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
So, what do we know about the allegations made against Gregg Wallace so far?
The allegations against Gregg Wallace have come from 13 people who he has worked with on different shows, across 17 years. The claims range across five shows, from 2005 to 2022. The claims say Wallace would make “sexualised” jokes, talk openly about his sex life, and one claim has said he took his top off in front of a female colleague.
It’s been said he told the female colleague that he wanted to “give her a fashion show”, and said he wasn’t wearing any boxers under his trousers.
Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, has claimed he told “sexualised” jokes during filming. She’s alleged this happened in front of cast and crew.
Gregg Wallace has stepped down from MasterChef
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Announcing the investigation, MasterChef production company Banijay UK said in a statement: “This week the BBC received complaints from individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with presenter Gregg Wallace on one of our shows.
“Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process.
“Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met, are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.”
The statement added: “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakupbanijayuk.com in confidence.”
A BBC spokesman said: “We take any issues that are raised with us seriously and we have robust processes in place to deal with them. We are always clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected by the BBC will not be tolerated.
“Where an individual is contracted directly by an external production company we share any complaints or concerns with that company and we will always support them when addressing them.”
Gregg Wallace has denied the claims.
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Gregg Wallace steps down from MasterChef: What we know about the ‘historical allegations’
13 people have made claims against him