Gregg Wallace was sacked by the BBC after a nine-month investigation found that he had engaged in a pattern of sexualised comments and conduct both online and in person
Gregg Wallace has faced fresh criticism after it was revealed he referred to a former MasterChef winner and a BBC presenter as a “sexy b****” on social media, with the comments still visible online.
The disgraced ex-MasterChef judge, 60, was officially dismissed from the BBC following a nine-month probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour, which exposed a pattern of sexualised comments and conduct across various platforms and in person.
Wallace used the term “sexy” over 135 times on X, with public posts targeting colleagues, contestants, and celebrities he collaborated with.
Among the most notable were comments aimed at 2012 MasterChef victor Shelina Permalloo, whom he labelled a “sexy b****” and “sexy girl”. In one tweet, Wallace penned: “hello mate, how you doing ? Sexy b****!”
Former BBC Breakfast host Penny Haslam, who worked alongside Wallace through their shared involvement with WeightWatchers, also received the same comment, reports the Mirror.
These remarks have surfaced just days after it was confirmed that production company Banjay, responsible for the BBC’s MasterChef, had ended Wallace’s long-standing participation in the cooking contest.
Despite Wallace’s claims that he was absolved of “the most serious and sensational accusations”, the broadcaster concluded his behaviour constituted “learned behaviour” that he was unlikely to alter.
Gregg Wallace has made a string of flirtatious comments about various celebrities online, labelling them “sexy”. His remarks have been directed at individuals such as MasterChef finalist Angela Langford, judge Monica Galetti, designer Kelly Hoppen, and presenters including Alison Hammond.
Even Paul Hollywood from Bake Off and former Page 3 model Linda Lusardi, whom Wallace described as a “sexy girl”, were subject to his flirty comments.
Wallace’s long-time MasterChef co-star John Torode was repeatedly referred to as “sexy” in his posts, while Torode’s wife, actress Lisa Faulkner, was called “hot point” and “pretty”. Despite Wallace’s claims that his remarks were not harassment, others have expressed a different view.
Former Celebrity MasterChef contestant and journalist Aasmah Mir recounted an uncomfortable incident that occurred during filming, stating: “In 2017, I took part in Celebrity MasterChef. I put my first dish down in front of the judges and the cameras paused to reset. In front of everyone, Gregg Wallace told me to tell a colleague at the BBC ‘that she was a sexy b****.’ No-one said anything. And yes, I did complain.”
Wallace addressed the controversy surrounding him with a statement on social media, saying: “After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation.”
The TV presenter also disclosed that he had experienced a health scare during the fallout, requiring hospitalisation in Ashford, Kent, due to chest pains that doctors suspected could be a heart attack.
Despite his apology and claims of partial clearance, the BBC’s internal report allegedly concluded: “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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
