Two individuals have asserted that Gregg Wallace inappropriately touched them, as further allegations emerge against the MasterChef host.
This development comes as the BBC announced the cancellation of the MasterChef Christmas specials in light of “current circumstances.”
Wallace, 60, is now facing accusations from over a dozen individuals spanning a 17-year timeframe across various shows.
He has temporarily stepped back from the cooking program while the allegations undergo an external review.
Wallace’s legal representatives assert that “it is completely untrue that he indulges in behavior of a sexually harassing nature.”
On Tuesday, the BBC disclosed allegations that Wallace touched and “groped” a woman’s backside, while another claimed he laughed after brushing against her with his waist and penis.
A third individual stated that Wallace’s genitals were partially visible in his dressing room, which she perceived as a “demonstration of power.”
The Guardian also reported that a complaint had been made about Wallace asking a sign language interpreter to translate “big boobs” and “sexy bum” before the audience at the BBC Good Food Show.
Sky News has reached out to the BBC and Wallace’s representatives for a statement regarding these recent allegations.
Wallace co-hosts MasterChef with John Torode (left). Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
The Celebrity MasterChef Cook Off and a MasterChef Strictly Festive Extravaganza had previously been included in the BBC’s Christmas lineup.
However, a representative announced they would no longer be aired.
“As previously stated, MasterChef is an extraordinary competition that profoundly alters the lives of the chefs involved, and the current season of MasterChef: The Professionals will proceed as scheduled,” the BBC spokesperson remarked.
“The celebrity Christmas specials represent a different format, and given the present circumstances, we have chosen not to air them.”
Expected participants included actress Amy Walsh, comedian Shazia Mirza, reality star Luca Bish, and singer Max George of The Wanted.
The Strictly special was set to feature dancers Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu.
Nonetheless, the current season of MasterChef: The Professionals will continue to be broadcasted.
An increasing number of individuals have accused Wallace of making inappropriate sexual remarks recently, among them a former contestant who recounted to Sky News a comment that left her in tears in the restroom.
Jackie Kearney expressed that she felt “disturbed” by Wallace’s “household name status,” as she viewed him as “somewhat of a creep behind the scenes.”
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‘If it’s just banter then why am I crying in the toilet?’
Another former contestant informed Sky News the allegations merely represent the “tip of the iceberg” concerning MasterChef, asserting he observed a “toxic atmosphere” on set and that the issue was “more significant” than just the presenter.
On Sunday, Wallace issued a response via social media, dismissing his accusers as “middle-class women of a particular age.”
This comment provoked substantial backlash, withwith even Downing Street weighing in.
He issued an apology in a subsequent video on Monday.
“I wasn’t in the right mindset when I shared it; I’ve been experiencing significant stress, a surge of emotions, and I felt quite isolated and under attack yesterday when I made that post,” the host expressed.
“It’s clear to me that I need to take a break while this inquiry is ongoing. I hope you comprehend this and I genuinely hope that you accept my apology.”
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Wallace expresses remorse for ‘middle-class women’ remarks
Read further:
What are the allegations – and what has Wallace stated?
‘Middle-aged women’: A glaring error in crisis management
What have the BBC and producers commented?
Banijay UK has engaged law firm Lewis Silkin to spearhead the inquiry.
A representative remarked that the organization regards complaints “extremely seriously” but will refrain from commenting on specific allegations while the external investigation is underway.
“It is essential to note that MasterChef’s welfare protocols are continuously refined and enhanced with established procedures to assist both crew members and participants,” the Banijay representative stated.
“These include various mechanisms for reporting concerns, including anonymous options.”
In reaction to reports of numerous complaints lodged with the BBC, a source from the corporation indicated that it would not provide commentary on individuals or any internal HR protocols, asserting that it would be “misleading to claim the BBC has remained inactive if and when concerns have been presented to us – especially since it’s been widely observed that there were interventions in both 2017 and 2018 in which actions were executed”.
Last week, a BBC representative affirmed that any concerns raised are taken earnestly and that there are “robust processes in place” for their resolution.
“We consistently emphasize that any conduct that falls short of the standards upheld by the BBC will not be tolerated,” they stated.
