John Torode has been axed from MasterChef after a report into allegations of misconduct upheld a claim of racially inappropriate language against him, hours after co-star Gregg Wallace was also axed
Gregg Wallace dropped a mysterious remark shortly after his MasterChef departure, following the release of a report investigating misconduct allegations against him. Over 50 individuals came forward with accusations against the former MasterChef judge.
The investigation, carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin, categorised the complaints into seven groups. Out of the 45 upheld complaints, 12 were for inappropriate comments (jokes and innuendo), 16 were sexually explicit remarks, three were for being undressed, two were for sexualised comments directed at or about someone, four were for cultural insensitivity or racism, seven were for bullying, and one was for unwanted physical contact.
The BBC quickly welcomed the findings from Lewis Silkin and confirmed that Wallace had been told they had “no plans to work with him in future”.
On Monday night, Torode revealed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.
Banijay UK and the BBC soon announced that John Torode’s contract also wasn’t being renewed due to allegations of racist comments. Just hours before it was confirmed that Torode was let go, Wallace suggested he “won’t be the last” person to make headlines.
In his statement, he said: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld.
“I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.
“I’m relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.
“After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.
“A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning.”
He then extended his gratitude towards Banijay and his fans for their unwavering support, before criticising the BBC for leaving him ‘exposed to trial by media’. He ominously warned there would ‘be more casualties’, reports the Mirror.
Wallace concluded: “This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last.
“There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
