Gregg Wallace Fired from ‘MasterChef’ Amidst New Allegations of Misconduct
The BBC terminated its contract with television personality Gregg Wallace on Tuesday following a surge of fresh allegations regarding his behavior, highlighting a pervasive climate of fear among freelance workers in the television industry. The allegations, stemming from 50 individuals, prompted the broadcaster to act before the release of a long-awaited report examining previous claims.
The dismissal of Wallace, a mainstay of the popular cooking competition MasterChef, underscores a growing reckoning within the UK broadcasting sector regarding workplace misconduct and the vulnerability of those working on short-term contracts.
Union Warns of ‘Real Fear’ Among Freelancers
Philippa Childs, the general secretary of the broadcasting union Bectu, stated she was unsurprised by the new allegations. “I can’t overstate the fear of freelancers feel about coming forward in such cases,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “Lots of these people are young female freelancers… they think that someone like Gregg Wallace is extremely powerful, and therefore who’s going to listen to them?”
Childs emphasized the precarious position of freelance staff, who fear retribution and damage to their careers if they report misconduct. “Because they’re freelancers, they feel very vulnerable in terms of their careers and their futures in the industry,” she explained. “So it’s a real problem for the industry to tackle, and it really must tackle it going forward.”
Details of the New Allegations
The new claims paint a disturbing picture of alleged inappropriate behavior spanning two decades. One allegation details an incident from 2012 in which Wallace allegedly took his trousers down in front of a woman in a dressing room. The woman, who worked on MasterChef between 2011 and 2013, described the incident as “disgusting and predatory.” She further alleged that when she reported the incident, senior staff dismissed her concerns, stating, “You’re over 16. You’re not being Jimmy Saviled.”
Another allegation, dating back to 2002, involves an incident on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. A participant claimed Wallace placed his hand under the table and onto her groin, asking, “Do you like that?”
The BBC reported that the majority of the new allegations center around inappropriate comments, but 11 women have accused Wallace of inappropriate sexual behavior, including groping and unwanted touching. Wallace has denied all allegations.
Wallace’s Response and Diagnosis
Wallace admitted to using inappropriate language but maintains he has been cleared of the most serious accusations. In a statement posted on social media, he revealed he has recently been diagnosed with autism. He claimed that while his neurodiversity was often discussed during his time on MasterChef, he received no support or protection.
“I will not go quietly,” Wallace wrote in a furious Instagram post. “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.”
BBC Investigation and Replacement
Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, launched an investigation into the claims in November, leading Wallace to step down from the series. The investigation, conducted by the law firm Lewis Silkin, is ongoing, and the BBC and Banijay have declined to comment until its findings are published.
Grace Dent, host of The Guardian’s Comfort Eating podcast, has been confirmed as Wallace’s replacement alongside John Torode for the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, announced in December.
The unfolding situation highlights the urgent need for systemic change within the television industry to protect vulnerable workers and foster a safe and respectful working environment. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will be crucial in determining the next steps and ensuring accountability for alleged misconduct.
