BBC bosses told Gregg Wallace he is unlikely to change amid allegations of groping, flashing and making sexual comments going back years, in a letter sacking him
BBC bosses have claimed that Gregg Wallace struggles to understand the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. In a letter dismissing him from his MasterChef role, the corporation expressed doubt over his ability to change, amidst allegations of groping, flashing and making sexual comments spanning several years.
While the 60 year old has confessed to using inappropriate language on occasion, he refutes the more serious accusations and has now enlisted an “aggressive” solicitor who may contest his dismissal. The Mirror has seen extracts from the BBC’s letter to Wallace, in which compliance chief Claire Powell refers to the findings of a law firm’s investigation into his conduct – the results of which are yet to be disclosed.
She stated: “I do not have the confidence that you can change what seems to be learned behaviour for you to make what you perceive to be jokes in the work -environment, without understanding the boundaries of what is appropriate.
“You acknowledge some of your comments have offended or upset people. But it is clear that you struggle to distinguish the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate -behaviour in the workplace, as well as lacking an awareness of why your behaviour impacts others.
“I do not have confidence that your behaviour can change.”, reports the Mirror.
According to a source close to Wallace, the TV chef believes the letter is unjust. However, show producers Banijay are reportedly certain about the necessary next steps following the report by law firm Lewis Silkin.
The insider stated that the letter acknowledges Wallace’s autism, a condition he has been formally diagnosed with. The source claimed: “He’s been formally diagnosed with autism, a recognised disability, but the BBC seems to be saying it can’t cope with a disabled person. It sounds a lot like discrimination to us.”
Wallace has now enlisted the services of Dan Morrison, a prominent UK litigation lawyer who has represented clients such as Nigel Farage and footballer John Terry.
Morrison’s firm’s profile page states: “Dan has recovered billions of pounds for his clients over 25 years of legal practice. He is known for his aggressive approach to litigation and his ability to negotiate favourable settlements for his clients.”
Wallace is expected to pursue legal action against the BBC, although it remains unclear whether this will be for unfair dismissal or another reason.
In 2018, Wallace received a warning from the BBC following a complaint about his behaviour on the show Impossible Celebrities. He apologised and was offered counselling.
During a meeting, Wallace was instructed to change his behaviour and received coaching the following year. There were also complaints about him on MasterChef that same year, resulting in a reprimand from Kate Phillips, then-controller of entertainment and now the BBC’s chief content officer.
She allegedly informed Wallace that his actions had been “unacceptable and cannot continue”. According to BBC News, 50 additional individuals have made claims about him.
Banijay chose not to comment last night, while the BBC also refused to provide further comment beyond a statement released on Tuesday, which read: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace.
“We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”
Earlier in the week, Wallace maintained: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
